The Pilgrim Path---Acts 2: 42—47 

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the LORD added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

THE FORMATIVE TIME…

These are famous verses following Peter’s sermon at Pentecost. The LORD saw to the conversion of 3,000 souls. It was an amazing time of Gospel Power and Spirit work:

---Teaching was significant to them. The LORD used the Word of truth to change them---the LORD would continue to use the Word of truth to grow them up in our Holy Faith (by His appointed spokesmen).

---Time together (koinonia=fellowship), was significant to them. Together “in” the things of God: discussing them / praying about them / eating together / hearing of each other’s needs---helping as they could. This would be important---because persecution would become real (Matthew 5: 10, 11). How significant is the Body of Christ to You?

---Their possessions---were their possessions: But they sold them---and used them---for the benefit of those in need. Wow! They had such concern for Jesus Christ---and His Body (the Church). What love they demonstrated for each other…

---They attended Temple: But with a completely new perspective---They were The People of Christ now! Everything was viewed differently!

---They were “glad and generous”---WHY---sure they were! The LORD had done great things for them---whereof they were incredibly glad!

---The LORD added daily to their number---those who were being saved. They made disciples. They were an electric and attractive organism for the Living Savior.

From John Stott: Looking back over these marks of the first Spirit-filled community, it is evident that they all concerned the church’s relationships. First, they were related to the apostles (in submission). They were eager to receive the apostles’ instruction. A Spirit-filled church is an apostolic church, a New Testament church, anxious to believe and obey what Jesus and his apostles taught. Second, they were related to each other (in love). They persevered in the fellowship, supporting each other, and relieving the needs of the poor. A Spirit-filled church is a loving, caring, sharing church. Third, they were related to God (in worship). They worshiped him in the temple and in the home, in the LORD’S Supper and in the prayer’s, with joy and with reverence. A Spirit-filled church is a worshiping church. Fourthly, they were related to the world (in outreach). They were engaged in continuous evangelism. No self-centered, self-contained church (absorbed in its own parochial affairs) can claim to be filled with the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a missionary Spirit. So, a Spirit-filled church is a missionary church.

From Simon Kistemaker: The church instituted the diaconate for the purpose of ministering to the needs of the poor because, as Jesus said, “You will always have the poor with you” (John 12: 8). The church is not promoting community of goods but is stressing the biblical injunction to help the needy. “Let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the household of the {Christian} faith” (Galatians 6: 10).

From Samuel Rutherford: This world deserveth nothing but the outer court of our soul.

From John Duncan: Those who love the Lamb must love the Bride, the Lamb’s wife. They have no love to the Lamb who have no true love to the Bride, the Lamb’s wife…this poor, puny, selfish Christianity is no Christianity at all.

HYMN

Savior, if of Zion’s city

I, through grace, a member am,

Let the world deride or pity,

I will glory in thy Name:

Fading is the worldling’s pleasure,

All his boasted pomp and show;

Solid joy and lasting treasure

None but Zion’s children know.

John Newton, 1779

PRAYER

In all the blessings of your finished redemption, you are yourself serving up grace to your people.

You did first purchase all blessings with your blood, and now you live to see them administered by your Spirit.

Precious Jesus, you are ever with me. By and by I will be with you. I will see you as you are, and I will be satisfied when I awake with your likeness. Amen.

Robert Hawker

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason