We proudly label ourselves: A New Testament Church. Why? Well, we know there's a lot of difference between the Old Testament gatherings and the New Testament gatherings. For example: We have an entirely different relationship with the Lord. He "holds our hand" in the Old Testament. He comes to "live within us" in the New Testament. But I think one of the main reasons for our label is the success we see in the New Testament Church. People came from everywhere by the thousands--not just for healing--but for another need. Let's look.
Acts 2:42-47
The life-style of the early church:
- They studied the Scriptures together
- They sat around and talked about the things of the Lord
- They honored the Lord by commemoration--breaking bread
- They prayed together
- They shared their unique experiences and all were amazed at the Lord's ways
- The Lord manifested Himself through signs and wonders
- They were sensitive to the needs of others
- They gave their material wealth in order to help those in need
- They included many in their group and made them feel a part by inviting them into their homes
- They ate together
- They loved each other
- They were joyful, sincere, and compassionate
- They praised God.
Others, watching, approved of their behavior.
Results: Many came to know the Lord.
Lord, I wonder which of those things was the most impressive to the "outsiders" who were watching? What was it that drew them? I think I know: They loved each other. You could do a lot of those things with no love, couldn't you? They knew religious leaders who could recite all of the laws; they had seen them standing on the corner praying; they had numerous gatherings where they sang, and shared; they had seen them put large amounts of money in the Temple treasuries; and there were always some of them getting together for a meal, breaking bread. There was one glaring vacuum: no love.
Please help us grasp the import of love. First of all, loving You, then letting that love spill over to others.
By this all men will know that you are My disciples; if you have love for one another. - John 13:35
