In the Book of Acts chapter 2, we see how the early church operated. From verse 42 it says: – “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe (fear)came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.”
We see several key principles how the early church started. The people were devoted and steadfast to the teaching of the Apostles. The people submitted to their authority and the teaching being brought. Jesus appointed the Apostles as the leaders of the church and by prayer and fasting and being led by the Holy Spirit the Apostles spoke! In these crucial days of the Church, are today’s leaders praying, fasting and seeking the Word of the Lord? Are they bringing a Word that is required for today and are the people also submitting to the teaching of the Word? Jesus is looking for ‘devoted’ leaders of His Church, being led by the Spirit and a congregation submitting to the correct Word being brought! Let us Lord, be that Church!
We also see that the people were devoted to the ‘fellowship’ and also to the ‘Breaking of Bread and to Prayer.’ How wonderful it is to be part of a loving and thriving Church! Are those things possible today? Are the people ‘devoted’ to the Church? Or is it just a visit and a place to go for a service but not get involved? Jesus says we should love one another and look out for one another, get involved and serve. But most importantly, the Church should be Jesus centered! That is the whole point! Jesus is the ‘Bread of Life’ – He is our Daily Bread and He is coming for His Church!
The breaking of Bread is hugely significant. During the last supper, in Matthew 26 verse 26, Jesus says:- “Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” The bread symbolizes His Body. We are eating of Jesus. He is the Word of God that became flesh. We need Jesus daily to give us life, not just ‘snack’ but by reading the Word of God, spending time in prayer and loving Him. Once you have tasted of Jesus, He satisfies us completely. The Church by spending time together celebrate this truth, that Jesus Christ is central to the Life of the Church and by being devoted to the fellowship, the teaching and appointed leaders, the Church will be truly blessed. Let us be that Church as it was in the Book of Acts. Let us devote ALL we have to Jesus!!!
