Is your church perfect? (Acts 6:1)

Acts 6:1

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

6 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.



When we read the descriptions of the early church - the miracles, the sharing and generosity, the fellowship - we may wish we could of been a part of this "perfect" church. In reality, the early church had problems just as we do today. No church has ever been or will be perfect until Christ and His followers are united at His second coming. All churches have problems. If your church's shortcomings distress you, ask yourself: "Would a perfect church allow me to be a member?" Then do what you can to make your church better. A church does not have to be perfect to be faithful.




Joe
















 

Are you willing to suffer? (Acts 5:40-42)

Acts 5:40-42

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

⁴⁰ The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go.

⁴¹ The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.^[42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”




Peter and John were warned repeatedly not to preach, but they continued in spite of the threats. We, too, should live as Christ asked us to, sharing our faith no matter what the cost. We may not be beaten or thrown in jail, but we may be ridiculed, ostracized, or slandered. To what extent are you willing to suffer for the sake of sharing the gospel with others?





Joe

Is it really yours? (Acts 4:32)

Acts 4:32

New Living Translation (NLT)

³² All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.



None of these Christians felt that what they had was their own, and so they were able to give and share, eliminating poverty among them. They would not let a brother or sister suffer when others had plenty. How do you feel about your possessions? We should adopt the attitude that everything we have comes from God, and we are only sharing what is already His.


Joe

A model for our prayers (Acts 4:24-30)

Acts 4:24-30

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

²⁴ When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: “O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— ²⁵ you spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant, saying,

‘Why were the nations so angry?
    Why did they waste their time with futile plans?
²⁶ The kings of the earth prepared for battle;
    the rulers gathered together
against the Lord
    and against his Messiah.’

²⁷ “In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. ²⁸ But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. ²⁹ And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. ³⁰ Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”




Notice how the believers prayed. First they praised God; then they told God their specific problem and asked for His help. They did not ask God to remove the problem, but to help them deal with it. This is a model for us to follow when we pray. We may ask God to remove our problems and He may choose to do so. But we must recognize that often He will leave the problem in place and give us the strength and courage to deal with it.





Joe



















 

The Greatest Testimony. (Acts 4:13)

Acts 4:13

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

¹³ The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.




 
Knowing that Peter and John were unschooled, the council was amazed at what being with Jesus had done for them. A changed life convinces people of Christ's power. One of your greatest testimonies is the difference others see in your life since you have believed in Christ.




 
Joe












 

You may get what you really need. (Acts 3:5-6)

Acts 3:5-6

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

⁵ The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. ⁶ But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”


 
 
The crippled man asked for money, but Peter gave him something much better - the use of his legs. We often ask God to solve a small problem, but He wants to give us a whole new life and help for all our problems. When we ask God for help, He may say, "I've got something even better for you." Ask God for what you want, but don't be surprised when He gives you what you really need.


 
 
Joe





















 

A healthy church... (Acts 2:47)

Acts 2:47

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

⁴⁷ all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.




 
A healthy Christian community attracts people to Christ. The Jerusalem's church zeal for worship and brotherly love was contagious. A healthy loving church will grow in numbers. What are you doing to make your church the kind of place that will attract others to Christ?




Joe