Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Acts 1-3
Acts 2:42
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
The book of Acts is a bridge. On one side are the four Gospel accounts of the Life of Christ. They tell of the formation of a new institution called a “Church” (first mentioned in Matthew 16:18). On the other side is the church/es in action. Without Acts the reader of Romans would not know who Paul is, how churches began to be established throughout the land, nor how God has opened a wide door for not only Jews but also Gentiles to fellowship together. The balance of the New Testament would be impossible to understand without the history of the churches as found in Acts.
Acts is not a doctrinal book per say, it is a history book. The history of the Church at Jerusalem, its work in establishing other churches, and the actions of the Apostles and devout followers of Jesus Christ. They continued the work that He began (Acts 1:1). It begins with that church being assembled, instructed, impowered, and in action. On the day of Pentecost Peter preached with the newfound power and leadership of the Holy Ghost and about three thousand souls were added to their church. They gladly received Peter’s words about Christ and were baptized.
But what then? What about after accepting Christ the Word and being baptized? They performed five uniquely related church activities.
They continued stedfastly. This was not a “one and done” this was a change of life that caused a change of their lifestyle. Praise the Lord for those believers that continue stedfastly in the faith as evidenced by church attendance. From this time on, throughout the balance of the New Testament it is a foregone conclusion that those who receive Christ, are baptized and are added to that church. One time in a church there was an infestation of squirrels. Upon discussing how to rid the church of the squirrels one old grey-haired deacon suggested that they baptize them and make them members, then they will never see them again. This is funny because unfortunately it rings of a truth. Many are unfaithful to their church. The Lord did not give this responsibility of church work to businesses, governments, secular institutions of learning, or any other earthly organization. These five actions are purely church related actions. Yes, the Lord can be worshipped anywhere, taught anywhere, but assembling, fellowshipping, celebrating the Lord’s supper, and baptizing new believers; these can only be performed through the assembling of the church together.
They focused on the apostles’ doctrine. In coming together, they learned of the doctrines that Christ taught His apostles. There was nowhere else to obtain that which the apostles had to give and to teach. A hunger was in the soul of those first-generation believers in Christ to learn of His doctrines. Church services are to instruct those who attend in the Word of God.
They enjoyed fellowship with other believers.
They broke bread together. Most receive this as the ongoing observance of the Lord’s Supper.
They prayed.
These five actions give a broad overview of the importance and work of church ministries. Regularly appointed services (and more as we see the day approaching: Hebrews 10:25), preaching and teaching the doctrines of the faith, fellowship, celebrating the Lord’s supper as oft as they choose, and prayer. This kind of church will be a busy church. One that must please the Lord God very much.
Dr. William T. Howe
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