Life in the Early Church

The Early Church depended fully on God and the members related with love and unity which made it possible for Church to be filled with the power of Holy Spirit which enabled them to overcome opposition and spread the good news. Acts 2:42 - They continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of the bread, and in prayer. The followings are discussed: Dynamics of a Healthy Church;Prayerful and Spirit-Filled Community, and Power Demonstrated through the Apostles.

Dynamics of a Healthy Church: The followers acted according to the Christ's instruction requiring them to stay in Jerusalem until the outpouring and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. They finally received the promised spirit and steadfastly practised spiritual disciplines - learning God's word, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer which helped them grow in faith and increase in numbers (Acts 2:42-47). Numerous signs and wonders were performed by the power of God in early Church that there was great awe among Believers and non believers. The early Christians were so united, they shared possessions and spent time together in worship and meeting needs of one another. Christians are charged to spread the good news and lead people to God.

The early Church experienced wonderful blessing and growth in spite of the persecution. The believers didn't allow the problems to dislodge and stop them. Rather, they prayed for the boldness and power to be more united, to overcome difficulties and do the work of God (Acts 4:32 -37). In love and unity believers powerfully testified to resurrection of Christ.

Prayerful and Spirit-Filled Community: Christ's followers must understand that opposition against the plan of God is to affirm His sovereignty. It has been stated that Jesus would overcome and bring God's salvation to all people (Psalm 2:1-2). The disciples asked God to give them the power and boldness to witness for Christ and perform miracles of healing and deliverance (Acts 4:23-30). God responded to their prayer by sending out His Spirit to fill and enable Christ's followers to proclaim gospel to the  world.

Power Demonstrated through the Apostles: Powerful Signs and wonders of healing accompanied the work of the apostles. Through prayer and laying of hand the sick and those being tormented by the evil spirit were healed (Acts 5:12-16). God has been using Christ's followers to perform miracles as they preach His word. Those who were moved by the signs and wonders and surrendered their lives to God were added to the Church. Manifestation of God's power through miracles doesn't guarantee that all people would have faith in God, but it stirs faith of those who believe. Lesson texts: Acts 2:42-47; 4:23-37; 5:12-16.