Central Truth

The early church in Jerusalem had an impact on their society by focusing on four essential activities. And, we can do the same.

Reflections

Have you ever wondered what the early church was like? Does our time of worship and fellowship in any way resemble what the early church was doing? Their Sunday services may not have included praise songs with a worship team, an offering, prayer, and then a great sermon. But the Acts account does give us some insight into the framework for their activities. I knew the story of how the church began in Jerusalem—and the phenomenal growth as 3,000 new members were added on that first day and many more over a period of just a few weeks and months. But I noticed in this amazing story that the early followers of Jesus were doing specific things to facilitate this growth.

First, they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching. They were learners! They were unwavering in their pursuit to know God more fully. Next, this verse in Acts 2 says they were constantly seeking fellowship with other believers--sharing and participating in their lives. They were devoted to God and devoted to each other. They were also breaking bread together. This activity had religious significance: the Lord’s Supper was being celebrated. And the last thing mentioned is prayer. Prayer is the link between Jesus and His people. Prayer provided His guidance and strength as they carried out His kingdom work. Prayer is still the crucial link today.  

So, regardless of how our Sunday activities may differ from that early church in Jerusalem, there are four activities which still seem to be fundamental. We need to be unwavering in our pursuit to know God more fully, constantly striving to build strong relationships with other believers, celebrating the essentials of our faith together, and continually enveloping these activities in prayer. In our world of rapid social change, moral decay, environmental crisis, and economic and political problems, what are we to do? Perhaps by making these four activities our priority as we begin a new year, we can change our community the same way the early church changed the world. Will you join me? 

Discussion Questions

1. Do you think one of these activities is more important than another?  Why?
2. Is there a reason why these four activities are listed in this specific order? 
3. What kind of activities could the early church have been engaged in that helped build strong bonds between the members?
4. What activities can we engage in to strengthen the bonds of friendship among our church members today?