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Welcome to Day 12! Today, we will be discussing the details or components of a healthy church. We are going to unpack what's in Acts 2:42-47 in detail. These verses set the standard and model for us of what the church should be like. As we mentioned yesterday, the church is more than just a building; it's a living entity because we as humans make up the church. For a living organism to survive and thrive, it has to have the right environment to succeed. It also has to have the right nutrients to grow to its fullest potential and to be sustained. Lastly, a healthy church should bear good fruit, meaning it is multiplying itself. This simply means reaching the lost and discipling both new and maturing believers, who then disciple others toward maturity. Now, please read Acts 2:42-47.
Fellowship Of The Believers:
Acts 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the
apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple
courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being
saved.
apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple
courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being
saved.
Teaching:
Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching
The apostles at that time were instructed by Jesus to teach everything that He (Jesus) taught them, since the New Testament had not been written and fully collected just yet. We know that the Old Testament was used in these teachings because we see it sprinkled throughout the New Testament. One of the most important points to note is that they weren't just making things up. It was about Jesus' teachings, combined with the Old Testament, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
There are two things we can take from this simple understanding. First, Jesus is the head of this group of
believers, meaning they place Jesus in the highest position of authority within the structure of this group.
There is a real danger if a man tries to place himself as the sole leader of the church. What happens is
that they remove Jesus as head of the church (Ephesians 1:22) and place themselves as the point of
importance rather than God. These are things to be mindful of as you look for a healthy church. Is the
primary focus of that church about Jesus, or is it about an individual? Find a church that places Jesus on
the rightful throne where He deserves to be.
Second, this passage teaches us that the authority for this group was the word(s) of God. Another sign of
a healthy church is to examine how it teaches. Are they teaching ideas from themselves, more self-help
than biblically focused? Are they teaching from the Word of God? This is an easy way to know healthy
from unhealthy churches. I tell you these things because the spirit that drives that church (either Spirit of
God or Spirit of this world) will instruct you, and it's okay to be selective about who you allow to speak into
your life and teach you. A healthy church culture keeps Christ as the head of the church and teaches the
word of God.
The apostles at that time were instructed by Jesus to teach everything that He (Jesus) taught them, since the New Testament had not been written and fully collected just yet. We know that the Old Testament was used in these teachings because we see it sprinkled throughout the New Testament. One of the most important points to note is that they weren't just making things up. It was about Jesus' teachings, combined with the Old Testament, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
There are two things we can take from this simple understanding. First, Jesus is the head of this group of
believers, meaning they place Jesus in the highest position of authority within the structure of this group.
There is a real danger if a man tries to place himself as the sole leader of the church. What happens is
that they remove Jesus as head of the church (Ephesians 1:22) and place themselves as the point of
importance rather than God. These are things to be mindful of as you look for a healthy church. Is the
primary focus of that church about Jesus, or is it about an individual? Find a church that places Jesus on
the rightful throne where He deserves to be.
Second, this passage teaches us that the authority for this group was the word(s) of God. Another sign of
a healthy church is to examine how it teaches. Are they teaching ideas from themselves, more self-help
than biblically focused? Are they teaching from the Word of God? This is an easy way to know healthy
from unhealthy churches. I tell you these things because the spirit that drives that church (either Spirit of
God or Spirit of this world) will instruct you, and it's okay to be selective about who you allow to speak into
your life and teach you. A healthy church culture keeps Christ as the head of the church and teaches the
word of God.
Fellowship:
Acts 2:42 to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and prayer.
Fellowship simply happens when a group of people with a shared interest spend time together. Life is too
short to place yourself around meaningless conversations and people who are focused on themselves.
Find a group of people who care about you and God and are striving towards their purpose in Christ. We
see that they shared meals and prayed over one another; these are just a few signs that you have a good
group of people to do life with.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are
doing.
Fellowship simply happens when a group of people with a shared interest spend time together. Life is too
short to place yourself around meaningless conversations and people who are focused on themselves.
Find a group of people who care about you and God and are striving towards their purpose in Christ. We
see that they shared meals and prayed over one another; these are just a few signs that you have a good
group of people to do life with.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are
doing.
Awe & Miracles:
Acts 2:43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
If you remember back on Day 10, we discussed this "awe" factor. Awe is defined as an overwhelming feeling of fearful wonder. It ties into our healthy view of God by having a Holy fear. The early church understood the power and majesty of God. They were filled with awe, especially by the way God moved so amazingly in their midst. In Acts 2:43, we see that the apostles performed signs and wonders, meaning miracles. Unfortunately, in some parts of the world, there has been a priority placed on miracles. Let me be clear, I truly believe miracles still happen today, but there is a danger if it is over-emphasized.
Caution On Miracles, Signs, & Wonders
1) We can lose track of the mission if we only chase the miracles. When the body of Christ prioritizes signs over the mission of reaching the lost and discipling others, the church will find itself disconnected from its intended purpose. Miracles are good; they are the byproducts of what God is accomplishing within a person or a people. But we must remember that miracles exist to point us toward a greater love for and devotion to God.
2) Secondly, it can place a greater emphasis on man over God. We may begin to view the person performing miracles as 'special' or 'of greater importance,' unfortunately, elevating them to a 'God-like' status. We must be careful to remember that it is God working through someone. Again, miracles are meant to point us toward the goodness and truthfulness of God, not to man.
It's important to note that Jesus performed many miracles, as did His disciples. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see numerous records of miracles. It is simply unbiblical to deny or rationalize miracles away. God is a good Father who gives good gifts; if He decides to demonstrate His love toward us through a miracle, then I say 'Amen!' God provides miracles as an expression of His love and provision, so it is appropriate to believe by faith and ask the Father for them. However, remember that we shouldn’t just chase the miracle itself; we should be chasing the Miracle Maker.
Acts 3:16 | Deuteronomy 10:21 | Job 5:8-9 | Romans 15:19 | Acts 19:11-12 |
Daniel 3:25
If you remember back on Day 10, we discussed this "awe" factor. Awe is defined as an overwhelming feeling of fearful wonder. It ties into our healthy view of God by having a Holy fear. The early church understood the power and majesty of God. They were filled with awe, especially by the way God moved so amazingly in their midst. In Acts 2:43, we see that the apostles performed signs and wonders, meaning miracles. Unfortunately, in some parts of the world, there has been a priority placed on miracles. Let me be clear, I truly believe miracles still happen today, but there is a danger if it is over-emphasized.
Caution On Miracles, Signs, & Wonders
1) We can lose track of the mission if we only chase the miracles. When the body of Christ prioritizes signs over the mission of reaching the lost and discipling others, the church will find itself disconnected from its intended purpose. Miracles are good; they are the byproducts of what God is accomplishing within a person or a people. But we must remember that miracles exist to point us toward a greater love for and devotion to God.
2) Secondly, it can place a greater emphasis on man over God. We may begin to view the person performing miracles as 'special' or 'of greater importance,' unfortunately, elevating them to a 'God-like' status. We must be careful to remember that it is God working through someone. Again, miracles are meant to point us toward the goodness and truthfulness of God, not to man.
It's important to note that Jesus performed many miracles, as did His disciples. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see numerous records of miracles. It is simply unbiblical to deny or rationalize miracles away. God is a good Father who gives good gifts; if He decides to demonstrate His love toward us through a miracle, then I say 'Amen!' God provides miracles as an expression of His love and provision, so it is appropriate to believe by faith and ask the Father for them. However, remember that we shouldn’t just chase the miracle itself; we should be chasing the Miracle Maker.
Acts 3:16 | Deuteronomy 10:21 | Job 5:8-9 | Romans 15:19 | Acts 19:11-12 |
Daniel 3:25
Unity & Humility:
Acts 2:44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.
Have you ever noticed that the word “community” contains the word “unity” and “unity” starts with “U”! I know
that might sound cheesy, and I agree it does, but it also holds a very real truth. We as individuals hold the
key to unity, and unity can only be accomplished if we are really "for" one another. To be for one another
means we are not "one-upping" each other to make a name for ourselves, but we are striving to be a
servant first to those around us, to be trusted, and not to gossip when someone shares failures, hurts, or
prayer requests. Gossip and pride are the two keys that destroy unity and hurt the church very quickly.
These sinful practices are encouraged by the enemy and give way to the fallen nature. One of the hardest
things for the church is to keep unity, but let me encourage you, it is possible. Three of the fruits of the
Spirit is “love, peace, & self-control,” so pray that the Spirit helps us as individuals to be mindful of the
tactics of the enemy and flesh. Remember that unity begins with you! As the body of Christ, let’s strive for
unification in all things.
Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Have you ever noticed that the word “community” contains the word “unity” and “unity” starts with “U”! I know
that might sound cheesy, and I agree it does, but it also holds a very real truth. We as individuals hold the
key to unity, and unity can only be accomplished if we are really "for" one another. To be for one another
means we are not "one-upping" each other to make a name for ourselves, but we are striving to be a
servant first to those around us, to be trusted, and not to gossip when someone shares failures, hurts, or
prayer requests. Gossip and pride are the two keys that destroy unity and hurt the church very quickly.
These sinful practices are encouraged by the enemy and give way to the fallen nature. One of the hardest
things for the church is to keep unity, but let me encourage you, it is possible. Three of the fruits of the
Spirit is “love, peace, & self-control,” so pray that the Spirit helps us as individuals to be mindful of the
tactics of the enemy and flesh. Remember that unity begins with you! As the body of Christ, let’s strive for
unification in all things.
Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Generosity:
Acts 2:45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
Historically speaking, especially in early church history, generosity is what made the church stand out in
the world. They fed those who were hungry, clothed those who needed clothes, and provided resources
to those in need. The church is a place of selfless individuals who see people through the lens of Christ,
meaning that people matter to God, so they matter to the Christian. Can we truly call ourselves followers
of God if we leave a child and brothers or sisters in need? As the body of Christ, we should strive to bless
and help those around us. Genuine faith produces good deeds that go hand in hand, as we discussed on
Day 3. We love those around us, like we love ourselves (Luke 10:27).
Historically speaking, especially in early church history, generosity is what made the church stand out in
the world. They fed those who were hungry, clothed those who needed clothes, and provided resources
to those in need. The church is a place of selfless individuals who see people through the lens of Christ,
meaning that people matter to God, so they matter to the Christian. Can we truly call ourselves followers
of God if we leave a child and brothers or sisters in need? As the body of Christ, we should strive to bless
and help those around us. Genuine faith produces good deeds that go hand in hand, as we discussed on
Day 3. We love those around us, like we love ourselves (Luke 10:27).
Consistency:
Acts 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.
Consistency in our spiritual lives is a must and is tied to the idea of Christ-centered commitment, which is one of the four key pillars of A.S. To be committed to something means having consistency within that commitment. The same applies to us coming together as the church; the regularity of meeting together produces greater focus and encouragement in our lives.
Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and
all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Consistency in our spiritual lives is a must and is tied to the idea of Christ-centered commitment, which is one of the four key pillars of A.S. To be committed to something means having consistency within that commitment. The same applies to us coming together as the church; the regularity of meeting together produces greater focus and encouragement in our lives.
Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and
all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Gratitude:
Acts 2:47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.
We see that the early church had an attitude of gratitude toward God, expressed through worship and goodwill toward one another. Our attitudes set the tone for how we interact with God, both privately and publicly, and with the people around us. A key component for us as the body of Christ is to remain in a state of worship and gratitude as we meet together, realizing what Christ has done for us and allowing that to be the overflow of our lives. In addition, having gratitude helps us to overcome bitterness and self-centeredness in our walk with Christ.
Psalms 100:2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
We see that the early church had an attitude of gratitude toward God, expressed through worship and goodwill toward one another. Our attitudes set the tone for how we interact with God, both privately and publicly, and with the people around us. A key component for us as the body of Christ is to remain in a state of worship and gratitude as we meet together, realizing what Christ has done for us and allowing that to be the overflow of our lives. In addition, having gratitude helps us to overcome bitterness and self-centeredness in our walk with Christ.
Psalms 100:2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Increase:
Acts 2:47 And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
When it comes to healthy churches, we see that God provides the increase (of people) to the body of Christ. It is the Lord, through the work of the Holy Spirit, who draws people to repentance; that way, no one can boast. This is why we need to strive toward health, so we can be ready for those the Lord entrusts to us. Acts 2:42–47 highlights to all believers several important factors that define a healthy church.
We all have parts to play within the body of Christ, and those roles are important, but we must not elevate any role or person above Christ Himself (Romans 12:3). It is the Lord's church and His ministry; He is the one who draws each individual for His glory, and it is God who provides the increase. Our responsibility is to stay unified and humble in fellowship, meeting people where they are, loving them like Christ, and discipling them toward maturity (Colossians 1:28).
When it comes to healthy churches, we see that God provides the increase (of people) to the body of Christ. It is the Lord, through the work of the Holy Spirit, who draws people to repentance; that way, no one can boast. This is why we need to strive toward health, so we can be ready for those the Lord entrusts to us. Acts 2:42–47 highlights to all believers several important factors that define a healthy church.
We all have parts to play within the body of Christ, and those roles are important, but we must not elevate any role or person above Christ Himself (Romans 12:3). It is the Lord's church and His ministry; He is the one who draws each individual for His glory, and it is God who provides the increase. Our responsibility is to stay unified and humble in fellowship, meeting people where they are, loving them like Christ, and discipling them toward maturity (Colossians 1:28).