Close to Jesus!

42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity (and sincere hearts)—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 (NLT).

The early church had the closes connection with Jesus.  These people actually witnessed Jesus’ life and ministry as well as His devotion to love, fellowship and prayer.  The early church continued Jesus’ ministry as they gathered together in fellowship, prayer, and generosity. All the apostles, who taught and led the early church, had been with Jesus from the very beginning (Acts 1:21-22). These apostles lived with Jesus and witnessed His many miraculous signs and wonders, generosity, compassion, and mercy for others in need.  The apostles and early church continued Jesus’ ministry.

Acts 2:42-47 clearly describes the life of the early church. Jesus’ outpoured His Holy Spirit upon the early church which enabled the early church to grow and continue the mission of Jesus.  Because Jesus’ Spirit, the early church was united, generous, taught by the apostles, and participated in prayer meetings and fellowship. These times of fellowship included the Lord’s Supper, also called Communion services or the breaking of bread. Even more, the early church realized that they were all brothers and sister in the family of God. As such, these believers shared all they had so that all could benefit from God's grace.

As we study the life of Jesus and enjoy His gracious Spirit living inside our hearts, sincere Christians today also continue Jesus and the early church’s ministry of love, unity, prayer, generosity, and fellowship. Christians must continue to learn God's Word, pray, share with others, and fellowship.  Even more, Christians today have a responsibility to work together, help one another in every way possible, and truly love one another just like Jesus and the early church patterned.  So, let’s all get closer to Jesus and act like Jesus and the early church.  As we are close to Jesus, we start acting like Jesus!