Second,
they enjoyed being together. That’s just to say that they devoted themselves
to fellowship and the breaking of bread. Baptists love to fellowship. If there
is a reason to meet, there is a reason to eat. But fellowship meant more than
just eating together; however the breaking of bread is certainly a big part
of it. It means everyone is on the same page concerning the task.
Fellowship
meant that they cared about the same things when it comes to the Lord’s
work.
Third,
they prayed together. John MacArthur said that prayer is the slender nerve that
moves the muscle of omnipotence. In other words, if you want something to happen,
then you must pray for it. They would gather in homes and lift up concerns during
the week for those that were hurting.
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II.
God expects the church to be filled with awe.
It
seems that our churches have lost much of the awe that should come with recognizing
the great sacrifice that Jesus made to tear down the wall of sin make a way
for our eternal life. Oh sure, we are still awed today by churches. We are awed
by their beautiful buildings, great programs, wonderful activities.
But
when is the last time you stepped into a worship service and was awed by the
presence of God? When is the last time you were almost terrified by the feeling
that God is in this place and you are standing before his presence.
Unfortunately,
that kind of awe experience comes few and far between. Why were they continually
feeling awe and we rarely experience it? The apostles were doing many wonders
and signs. They were simply attempting things they could not accomplish without
the power of God.
III.
God expects the church to be unified.
Even
though with 3,000 people it was obvious that they could not all be together
at one time all the time they nevertheless thought of themselves as one and
they functioned as one. They had all things in common and continued with one
mind. They had one purpose and one goal. We can see it in the way they acted
toward each other. If one person was in need, those that had plenty would sell
something and give it to those in need. In other words, they took responsibility
for each other. These Christians could not bear to have too much when others
had so little.
This
process of enjoying one another, living in this community of faith just went
on and on. They had meals together. Praised God together. Their countenance
was one of gladness and sincerity of heart.
And
— maybe most amazing of all — they had favor with all the people.
This kind of community of faithfulness is attractive. When the lost world viewed
the church they didn’t think of hypocrisy. So it is no wonder that everyday
was a revival for them. Day by day, the Lord was adding to the number that was
being saved.