05/19/2021 BELIEVE
Acts 2:44 And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything with each other, selling their possessions and dividing with those in need. They worshiped together regularly at the Temple each day, met in small groups in homes for Communion, and shared their meals with great joy and thankfulness, praising GOD.
[Living Bible Translation]
Summary
According to the Bible, the early church was extraordinary. They were “believers.” They believed in the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. They believed in the WORD OF GOD. And, they believed in demonstrating GOD’s love in the community. The Bible states that there was “a deep sense of awe on them all.” See, Acts 2: 43 (Living Bible translation) And, there were many miracles. Acts 2:43.
The world around them was turbulent. These Christians lived in evil times. There were all sorts of reasons to be afraid for their personal safety and their souls, if they were bent toward following the practices of the world or if they looked to the world for their hope and salvation.
Instead of dependence on their world leaders, they became a community of believers. They devoted themselves to GOD. They showed the city around them what LOVE looked like, by responding to those in need, by sharing, and by believing GOD. And, because they believed, others started to believe too, and GOD added to their number.