Church of Acts : A Double Portion People
In Acts, there are many dynamics - from the ongoing pressure of establishing the gospel to the increasing growth of disciples and the church at large. Among the various ebbs and flows of the early church account, I love how the Lord raises up a nucleus of people who would give themselves to certain and specific elements. Early on, the Holy Spirit establishes a few to build a foundation that would provide stability for the coming days and years. In Acts 2:42, it tells us what this nucleus of saints did... "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Here we see there are 4 things that the early church set their heart on.
Although there are many revelations in this one verse, I can't help but read on to see the fruit that came from their undivided 4-fold focus. In the proceeding verses, we see the manifold fruit that was released. In Acts 2:43-47 it says, "Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Interestingly, as they gave themselves to the 4 things, the Lord released (at least) 8 things in return. Talk about a glorious investment! I love how the Lord is all about multiplication - as we give ourselves to certain things throughout our lives, He brings an abundance in return. That's just how He rolls... He's a double portion kind of Father!
Check out the 8 things that the Lord returned to the early church:
- Fear (and awareness) of God filled the community. Acts 2:43
- Signs and wonders broke out. Acts 2:43
- Community (common unity) formed. Acts 2:44
- Giving of themselves; selfless living. Acts 2:44
- Day by day commitment increased. Acts 2:46
- Praise (of the saints) broke out. Acts 2:47
- Favor with people increased. Acts 2:47
- Supernatural growth and increase in the church. Acts 2:47
It goes on to tell us (in Acts 4:33) that, "Abundant grace was upon them (the apostles and early church) all." I pray that we, His beloved, would access the grace that is available in the Holy Spirit. I pray that as we give ourselves to these 4 things, the Lord would bring multiplication and abundance to the church at large. Do it Lord... Amen!
-RA
