“So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people and the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:41-47 NASB).
“And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.” (Acts 4:32-35 NASB)
I love reading the book of Acts and seeing how Jesus’ church became THE CHURCH. Jesus’ boys, His apostles begin preaching with boldness and the church explodes (in a good way). Even before all of this, when Jesus was walking the earth…people came all over to witness Him. Everywhere He went, people wanted to see Him, hear Him, touch Him, and know Him. This was without TV and the internet, people flocked to Jesus. There is just something about Jesus that draws you near. And here in the book of Acts we see the church coming together and because of Jesus, they were ONE. People need Jesus! Do you desire hope? Jesus! Do you have needs? Jesus! Do you have fear? Jesus! Are you broken? Jesus! Do you know your sin? Jesus! Do you desire grace and mercy? Jesus! The foundation of the church is Jesus. It’s His church. Why then, if it is His church…why is it so divided? I saw a couple of guys the other day from the church arguing about philosophy. It was heated! They were angry at each other over their own opinions. Really! With all that is going on in the world today…there are so many that are broken, so many that are weighed down by their pain, weighed down by sin and all we can do is argue over nonsense…people need Jesus, not our philosophies! James says, “What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?” (James 4:1 NASB) Paul says to the church in Colossae, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8 NASB) Paul tells Timothy to “avoid worldly and empty chatter” (2 Timothy 2:16) because it leads to nowhere. People need Jesus! As the church that belongs to Jesus, we have Him…are we giving Him away? Can people see Jesus in us who are a part of the church? If they can’t, fix it! It’s time put away foolishness! It’s time set aside stupid arguments! It’s not about me or you…it has always been and always will be about Jesus! You ready? If you are one of God’s children, one that is a part of Jesus’ church…what do people see when they see you? “Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9:36-37 NASB)
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