LIFE SCRIPTS

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42‭-‬47 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/act.2.42-47.NIV.

One might ask, ‘what is the model of the church as God planned!?’… Here we see a picture of the church as it started. A devotion to teaching of the word, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. The first believers were committed to hearing the truth from the apostles, their spiritual leaders. God has ordained ministers of His word among us so that they may edify the body of believers through teaching of the word. Teaching involves ‘breaking’ the word…communicating it simply for all to understand and be convicted. But the early believers also were also committed to fellowship and the breaking together of bread. They knew that they couldn’t stand alone in this world and needed support and encouragement from others. The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized the thinking behind fellowship. Since we could not meet physically, online platforms such as Zoom and Google Meets have come in handy in facilitating fellowship with one another. But we are not only expected to fellowship but to share in the Holy Communion…to remember the pain and suffering Christ went through to redeem us from the pit. Regular partaking of the Holy Communion reminds us that we are purchased. We are not our own but we’re bought at a price. This life we live, we must live it to His glory. The believers also were committed to prayer. Prayer moves mountains. It allows us to penetrate into the spiritual realm and intercede. A people not committed to prayer are a weak people. Time in prayer enables us to lift up the needs of others among us and give thanks for God’s provision. But best of all, it creates intimacy with God. Corporate prayer also unites us and builds bonds between us. But these first believers didn’t just meet and fellowship. They were practical. They shared their possessions. The needy among them were nourished by those who had plenty. The wealthy sold their possessions in order to feed the needy. The rich shared what they had generously. They broke bread daily in their homes with hearts of gladness. The Spirit prompts us towards practicality and works of service. The book of James talks about us showing our love for God by showing love to our brothers in need. Perhaps such a COVID season exists so that we may be a blessing to others just as believers were to each other in the book of Acts. Everyday they met without fail. The fellowshipped in joy and gladness. As a result, the Lord added to them daily the number that was being saved. God acts on our behalf when we are committed to Him. And here we see it practically.