Lights! Camera! Acts-tion! (scene 1)

The Church's Healthy Development in the Book of Acts

The Lord’s church is the most precious institution ever established on earth. Through the last six months of studying the book of Acts, I find myself in awe of the great strength and fortitude these pioneer Christians displayed. As journeymen in the Lord’s church, we should consider all that has been written by Luke regarding what, how, and why these Christians did what they did from the onset of the church. As babes in Christ, they followed the precedent laid down by the apostles who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. They completely dedicated themselves to the service of an Almighty God that was implanted into their hearts through the Law prior to their conversion. What’s more amazing is their faith and trust in God, knowing just weeks ago from the Day of Pentecost, that their Messiah fulfilled all that the prophets had foretold. The adrenaline, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions must have been flowing like a great current, creating many a sleepless night filled with conversations well into day break. Many must have believed they were part of the world’s most historic revolution and there was no turning back. Most had left the faith of their fathers, becoming outcasts and possibly even witnessing their own family members tearing their clothing in disbelief and mourning their “death”. Can you believe that in the beginning of the church there were only just over 3,000 members? Most left what was considered a secure life that was well rooted back to the days of Moses through the old covenant. They took on a new life which would change future generations forever. They now had just initiated the beginning of the end of a religious establishment cemented by their forefathers. They changed the paradigm that had been followed by the likes of King David, Daniel, and Nehemiah. Though they knew they did the right thing, they needed a solace during these turbulent times. That comfort came in the form of authoritative instructions by the apostles. They too were a part of this whirlwind of events and God had specifically placed them in Jerusalem to protect His church and see that His message infiltrated the world. God wasted no time in giving His beloved children guidance that is found in what we read in Acts 2:42, "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."