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The Church Members That Stay Together
Text: Acts 2:42-47 IBCSS 21st Church Anniversary 5/3/09
Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar
Church members that stay together will certainly grow as one in their faith, love and hope in a harmonious way. The amazing fruits of their faith will inspire others to come to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; their labour of love will attract more people to know the wonderful love of God; and their invincible hope will usher them to the path of success. As they continue in Christ-sheltered unity, they will surely build up the needed strength and courage to stand and contend for the true faith.
We must keep in mind that our faith in Christ is precious and living, and being aware of such faith will help us to walk circumspectly in this sin- contaminated world. Christians who treasure their faith and strictly adhere to the principles of truth will have the courage to speak the truth and live by it without compromising with the world. True Christians really need to show the Biblical image of Christianity in a consistent mode so our life-changing faith in Christ will become notable and admirable above all kinds of beliefs authored by men.
The early Christians in Jerusalem exemplified the most needed unity and courage that every Local Church today should display. In Acts 2:44, it is written, And all that believed were together, and had all things common; (KJV) We cannot imagine how strong our Local Church would be if believers remain faithful to God and stay together in unity.
Church members that stay together and are excited to carefully study the Bible daily, earnestly pray and worship God consistently, fellowship with one another regularly and help one another in spreading the Gospel without reservation will surely contribute physical and spiritual strength to their Local Church. It is disheartening to see many Christian Churches today being victimized by devil-authored division because of spiritual indifference among the members.
As we take a closer look on how the early disciples of Christ walked together in unity, may we take note on how they lived for the Lord so we may learn to live and work with other believers with deep understanding and godly wisdom.
(I) Their Holy Association Will Be Built Up
Acts 2:42
-Separating themselves from worldly activities
Separating ourselves from worldly activities is a prerequisite step to take so we could establish good fellowship with spiritual believers. Believers cannot establish a God-pleasing spirituality if they play around with unbelievers.
The spiritual identity of the early Christians with the Lord Jesus Christ was clearly noticeable because of their well-separated lives from worldly things and strong attachment to other God-fearing people. In Acts 2:42, it says, And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (KJV) True Christians must separate themselves from the world so they could live according to the Word of God.
-Studying and learning the Word of God together
Learning the Word of God with other believers is a good way to build up the needed Bible conviction of a Local Church. Believers who are being influenced by the preference of other professing Christians usually weaken the Biblical stand of the newborn congregation. Many believers are becoming spiritually stagnant because they welcome unscriptural teachings rather than Bible-based doctrines.
We should not undervalue the importance of the Word and forsake group Bible study, Sunday school classes, Church services, Bible school and other group studies on the Scriptures because it is through these activities that our faith will be strengthened. Consequently, our holy association will be built up in a right way.
-Having regular Christ-centered fellowship
Constant fellowship with godly people gives clearness to our holy association. We must keep in mind that Christ-centered fellowship draws us closer to the Lord and strengthens our deep friendship with fellow believers within a Local Church. Family members who have established sweet fellowship among themselves is definitely a strong family. Have fellowship with spiritual believers and contribute good image to your Local Church.
-Partaking the Lord’s Supper together
Some Christians fail to see the importance of partaking the Lord’s Supper, but the truth is, it sharpens the image of Christianity which we are projecting to the world. It is illustrated in Acts 2:46, And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, (KJV) A believer who partakes the Lord’s Supper regularly will truly realize and appreciate what Christ did for Him at Calvary. His communion with the Lord will become deeper and his love for the coming of the Lord will stir him up to serve Him in sincerity and in truth. He will also treasure his holy association with the redeemed people of God.
-Praying together to God
Church members that pray together will not be easily divided. Their Local Church will become strong and pleasing to God. No doubt, a well-attended prayer meeting is well-pleasing to God. They will gain the loving-favour of God, and as a direct result, their prayers will be granted in a special way. A prayerful congregation is a powerful Church. Get involved in group prayer and contribute strength to the Church.
Don’t underestimate the power of prayer. Be prayerful and you will be amazed of the unbelievable result.
(II) Their Powerful Presence Will Be Felt
Acts 2:42-46
-Will create spiritual impact on others’ lives
The powerful presence of united believers in a certain locality will surely create spiritual influence on the lives of people around them. In Acts 2:43, it says, And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. (KJV) The visible and physical presence of spiritual believers in a certain community is truly a blessing to its people.
We strongly believe that Christians are living epistle being read by others. The more they see Jesus in us, the easier we could lead them to the saving knowledge of Christ. Let our presence be the presence of Gospel Light in the place where we live.
-Will display the power of Holy Ghost through the believers’ lives
The power of the Holy Ghost is usually being displayed through a Local Church with unified members working together for the glory of God. In Acts 4:31-33, It is written, 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (KJV) These verses from the Bible clearly illustrate the power of the Holy Ghost working in the believer’s life. Believers that stay and pray together with one heart unto the Lord have the potential to display the power of Holy Ghost through their Local Church.
(III) Their Abounding Love Will Be Manifested
Acts 2:45-46
-Through sacrificial attitude
The highest kind of love is best manifested through sacrificial act. Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary is the best sacrifice and behind it was His boundless love. In Romans 5:8, it is written, But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (KJV) We cannot match what Jesus did at the Cross, but through our positive position toward sacrificial acts for the glory of God, people will see Christ in us. Christ-like love and sacrificial giving cannot be severed.
Apparently, sacrificial acts separate mature Christians from babe believers. Believers with sacrificial attitude are undoubtedly grown-up people. May we abound in love as we learn together to give sacrificially for the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ.
-Through charitable acts
In Acts 2:45, the Bible says, And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. (KJV) Love without giving is questionable. Charitable acts always start from a caring heart.
-Through great joy
When love abounds, exceeding joy comes naturally as written in Acts 2:46, And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, (KJV) True love binds believers together and they who love God and fellow believers are joyful people. Their love will start off their life to be more active and productive in the ministry and their great joy in the Lord will assure others that there is joy indeed in serving Jesus.
Keep on trusting the LORD while you serve Him. In Psalm 5:11-12, it is written, 11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. 12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. (KJV) God takes care of His servants.
(IV) Their Congregation Will Be Blest By God
Acts 2:47
-Will obtain favour from their observers
Believers that stay together in a Local Church will be carefully observed by others. When we display Christ-likeness in all areas of life, people will be spiritually enlightened, and consequently, we will gain their friendly favour, and the Lord will be glorified. We cannot imagine the many souls who will be led to the Saviour if only believers walk consistently in the path of duty.
-Will enjoy the power of God in their ministry
A Church with united members walking together according to the blessed will of God will truly enjoy the power of God in their ministry. They will not only experience the power of God in their lives and ministry, but will also enjoy the reward of their unquestionable unity.
It is sadly true that many Local Churches in our time missed their privilege to excel for the glory of God because of selfishness and unpleasant division among themselves. Malice and bitterness among believers are great hindrances to spiritual growth, but Christ-like attitude paves the believers’ way to victory.
-Will be blest physically and spiritually
Evidently, all people want to be blest, but they who reject the ways of God will never experience the blessings which are prepared only for those who really love the Lord and His Word. Christians who serve the Lord in unity will be blest by God. They will surely experience the working of God in their lives and ministries. Physical and spiritual blessings from the Lord are for them to enjoy.
In Acts 2:47, it is written, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (KJV) What a blessing to be thanked for and benefit to be enjoyed by members who stay together and serve God side by side for the sake of truth.
Praise God for united believers who truly stood the test of time. May they continue serving the Lord with love, hope, peace and joy as they wait for the glorious coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.