What if I told you there was a place where you can count on the awesome presence of God to manifest, a place where you are treated like one of the family, a place where miracles happen, the people there enjoy a high level of joy and peace, and continually people are getting saved?What if I told you this is not a fantasy, but can be a reality? Where can you find such a place? Acts 2:42-47 gives the only outline for doing church that I can find in the Bible.

Acts 2:42 - 47 (NLT) "All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—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."

Everyone needs to receive solid teaching from the word of God. Faith is the basis for the Christian life. “The just shall live by faith.” Faith comes from hearing the Word of God proclaimed. Fellowship is much more than sharing coffee and donuts in the church basement. These guys shared their lives together. Contemporary English Version, “…they were like family to each other…” They were praying together. God heard them and granted their requests. This church had it going on. The people lived with an awareness of the awesome presence of God. Wonders and signs were expected and achieved.

People gave in proportion to what they had. The needs of the people were being met. There were high levels of unity and also high levels of joy and contentment. They were praising God. Praise keeps your focus on God, and off of self. It keeps the gift of God stirred up within you. The energy that will take you through any trial of life. People outside of the fellowship liked what they saw. High numbers were being saved and added to the church.

These elements are the pillars of the healthy, vibrant church--teaching, fellowship, prayer, giving and praise. The results of have strong pillars in place are a family of believers, who sense the awesome presence of God in their midst. Wonders and signs are a regular occurrence. The needs of the people are met. The members enjoy a high level of unity, joy and contentment. People outside of the church like what they see inside. So, they come to the church, get saved and become part of the church family.

Peace,
Stan