In Acts 2. 42, Luke summarizes the ways in which the believers of the early church grew up as disciples. He writes, “And they persevered in the doctrine of the apostles and in communion, breaking bread and praying. “According to Luke, these Christians dedicated themselves to four basic means by which they were disciplined. Consider these means and how the Risen Christ still uses them today in the life of his people.
First, Luke tells us that the first disciples devoted themselves to “the teaching of the apostles. “It should be noted that Lucas chooses to describe his activity in terms of devotion. In other words, have you made hearing and studying the truth revealed in Jesus Christ a priority, a constant and undeniable part of your lives. Even today, most pastors will tell you that those who do this are the ones who, for the most part, lead a more vibrant and fruitful Christian life. They attend the public teaching of the Word with true hunger are disciples who make disciples When the Word is faithfully, courageously and sincerely preached in the power of the Spirit, these disciples are equipped to be faithful, courageous, and influential by Christ in all areas of their lives.
- Luke also speaks of the devotion of the first disciples to “communion”.
- Our Trinitarian God is the God of eternal communion.
- And we.
- Like the facts in his image.
- Are made to be in communion with him and with each other.
- Our lives are deficient.
- Without true brotherhood with others.
- Especially those who share our love for Christ.
- When we proactively encourage one another.
- The body of Christ is built spiritually and often numerically.
- When we are known for our mutual love.
- Those who have not yet done so Tested and seen that the Lord is good.
- We are often curious and open to know More Jesus who is at the center of all our communion and.
- By the grace of God.
- Also end up becoming true participants of this communion.
Third, Luke tells us that the early church was dedicated to “splitting bread. “This probably refers to the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, which they watched with baptism (see Acts 2:41), according to Christ’s instructions. The sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper communicate the Adoptive Love of the Father, the sacrificial grace of the Son, and the invigorating communion of the Spirit, in order to transform and equip the disciples.
The sacraments, like the Communion of Saints, remind us that we must come together collectively to grow as individuals. As blessed as we are today, with so many Christian books and sermons available on the Internet, the sacraments take us back to the assembled church, for which there is no substitute. God is glad to find His people gathered in a special way through the observance of the sacraments. As for how Christ meets us when we participate in the Lord’s Supper by faith, even the scholar John Calvin had to admit, “I live it instead of understanding it. “Supernaturally, incomprehensibly, the Triune God communicates with us, nourishes us, makes us happy, and empowers us to be disciples through the sacraments. There is no substitute for them in the life of the disciple.
Last but not least, Luke tells us that the first disciples devoted themselves to “prayers. “Collective prayer has been designated as Christ’s last commandment and the church’s first responsibility (see Acts 1. 14). of the power of prayer when he prayed for the fulfillment, wisdom, direction, and boldness of the Spirit. As CHSpurgeon said: “Prayer meetings were the arteries of the early church. Through them, has there been the power to sustain life?
Prayers? In Acts 2. 42, they probably represent the worship of the early church. Even today, as the Church seeks the face of the Father through the mediation of the Incarnate Son with the help of the Spirit, the Trinitarian God is happy to remain in the praises of his people for the glory of his own name, to expel his enemies and the construction of his church (see 2Cr 20:22; Come out 8. 2; Cl 3:16).
These means of grace may seem weak in the eyes of the world, but in the eyes of the Lord and the cunning believer, they are channels through which sinners connect with the risen Christ and the disciples capable of living the attractive life of their Savior’s life. Instead of relying on the latest innovations, let us follow in the footsteps of the early Church and use these common means for free; In doing so, Christ will equip his disciples to make disciples, and his praise will continue to extend to the ends of the earth.