Making the Connection
As I look at the New Testament church – I am grateful for so many things that we have that they did not.
– We have protection and freedom to worship
– We have all the Gospels, Epistles, and Revelation as well as the Old Testament
– We have the modern conveniences of electronic media and mediums to enhance our faith experience
– We have deep studies into what everything meant and an understanding of the culture
– We have the advantage of hindsight
However, in the busy-ness of our culture with sports, other kids events and non-stop work we are missing the connection.
Here is the report of the early church from Acts 2:42-47
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
The early church grew because of
- Teaching
- Prayers
- Fellowship in the breaking of bread.
Let’s look closer at what fellowship was to the early church Acts 2:46
So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and singleness of heart,
“breaking of bread” was a common term like “going to dinner”
The phrase “they ate” comes from a Greek word that means they “fully were partaking”
The phrase “gladness and singleness of heart” is very telling. It is here that the Greek means
– they would leave the complications of life outside
– enjoy generous amounts of time celebrating together, eating and talking together,
– enjoying each others company.
What was the result? Acts 2:47
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Jesus put it this way John 13:35
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”