“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 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 2:41-47)
After Jesus died on the cross, believers have not been destroyed but become increased in number. The Bible recorded, “and about three thousand were added to their number that day” (Acts 2:41). These people were not rabble, but they were with good quality, so it made people enter the early church. The Bible recorded, “praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved”(Acts 2:47)
This church has seven high quality characters:
1. They devoted themselves to God’s teaching (Acts 2:42)
They received apostles’ teaching and were devoted and not listened and forgot, nor listened and did not act. I hope brothers and sisters of Sunrise listen and act.
2. Fear of God and Apostles
They knew that God is in their midst. They saw many miracles happened, so they fear God and the apostles. As for today’s church, many believers lack of fear, too easily not going to church, and don’t respect God’s servants.
3. Believers gather together (Acts 2:44)
They naturally gather together. As for today, people are self-centered. There are distance between people. People are not willing to gather together, “self” is lifted up. Therefore, I encourage you to value joint celebration, this is natural. Don’t decide not to come because of the price. On the contrary we have to be united. This was the natural phenomena of the early church.
4. All the believers were together and had everything in common (Acts 2:45)
Opposite to today’s search and capture age, early church believers generously share with the poor. Even somebody sold their house and land to bless the church and other people. They gave up what they had, it was a great sentiment.
5. Every day they continued to meet together (Acts 2:46)
All of them were united toward God. They persistently met in the temple. It is worthy for us to learn, to persistently seek after God.
6. Together with gladness (Acts 2:46)
They were joyful people and ate together and were joyful. It is what we are looking forward to.
7. “Sincere heart” (Acts 2:46b)
They have justice in their heart, no deceit, treat each other honestly. It was a great community. Certainly it is also a community that people want to join. The birth of this high quality community was the result of coming of Holy Spirit and His work. Therefore, we have to allow Holy Spirit to work in our life so that the church became heaven on earth, attract ten thousands of people to Christ. Amen!
