THE BODY OF CHRIST
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Everyday 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
In the second chapter of Acts we have what I believe is the greatest description of the church ever written…a blueprint of what we are to be today. And yet, sometimes we wonder if our body of Christ ever resembles that of two thousand years ago. Jesus reminded us that while we are “in” the world, we are not “of” the world. To be sure, everyday the church is tempted to become more like the world. The current day philosophy of “me now” and “me only” enters our doors ever so subtly and before we even realize it, we too are “of” the world.
I had the pleasure of
speaking last week at a revival at
I have spoken at Fowler Springs many times before and I have witnessed the “Lord adding to their number daily” blessing described in the early church. The believers were “together” and had “everything” in common. The church was full every night…ever Friday! The fellowship was wonderful and every night people stayed long after the service was over. It was so obvious they loved each other and more obvious that love resulted from their devotion to Christ.
As I delivered the message each night, I was overwhelmed by how everyone listened. I could see Christ in their eyes and I knew that through these believers, I stood in the presence of God. It is so easy to follow your heart when there is so much freedom…so much unity. We laughed together…we cried together…we had, well “all things in common.” I was sad when I got in my truck to leave Friday night…sad the way you’re supposed to be when you love someone and you have to go. But that sadness turns to joy when we realize that nothing can separate us from our love for one another in Christ. As I drove away, I thanked God for letting me be a small part of His church.
This congregation is growing and will soon build a beautiful new church building. But the true church resides with the hearts of the believers. Its foundation is our love for Christ and its walls are our love for each other. Its roof is the promise that what we have will last forever for God is the giver of that promise and He will never forsake us.
Hear the good news. The Body of Christ is alive and well! Yes, in the world we will have trouble, but thanks be to God, Christ has overcome the world!
Love IN Christ,
Billy