The Disciple Making Church

The Early Church: A Model of Devotion and Discipleship

In the early days of Christianity, a remarkable transformation took place. The book of Acts provides us with a glimpse into the birth of the first church in Jerusalem, offering timeless lessons on what it means to be devoted followers of Christ. This pivotal moment in history serves as both an inspiration and a challenge for believers today.

The Power of Conviction

Picture a crowd, once mocking and skeptical, suddenly struck with the weight of reality. As Peter's words pierced their hearts, they cried out, "Brothers, what shall we do?" This moment of conviction marked the beginning of a spiritual revolution. They recognized their brokenness and the broken world around them. More importantly, they realized that their relationship with God—once thought unbreakable—was in dire need of restoration.

Peter's response was simple yet profound: "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." This call to repentance and baptism was not just for those present, but for "all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."

The universality of this invitation is striking. In a world often divided by who's "in" and who's "out," the early church's message was radically inclusive. The Greek word used for "all" leaves no room for exclusion. It's a powerful reminder that God's grace knows no boundaries—not of culture, status, or personal history.

A Church Devoted

As we delve deeper into Acts 2, we encounter four pillars that defined the early church:

1. Devotion to Teaching

The first Christians exhibited an insatiable hunger for God's Word. Their devotion to the apostles' teaching was steadfast and single-minded. This passion for scripture went hand-in-hand with being filled with the Holy Spirit. As the Apostle Paul would later write, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." When we connect with the Spirit, there's a natural yearning for God's Word, and as we immerse ourselves in scripture, our connection to the Spirit deepens.

2. Devotion to Fellowship

The Greek word 'koinonia' introduces us to a profound concept of fellowship. It's not just about social gatherings or potlucks. Koinonia speaks of commonality, of sharing life's experiences and resources. The early believers understood that no one should walk their journey with Christ alone. They sold possessions to meet needs, not out of compulsion, but as a voluntary act of love and community.

This biblical fellowship teaches us three crucial truths:

- It can only be experienced after enjoying fellowship with God.

- It will cost us something—time, effort, possessions, maybe even reputation.

- It's something we give ourselves to, not merely attend.

3. Devotion to Worship

The early church's worship was marked by regular observance of the Lord's Supper and dedicated prayer. These weren't afterthoughts but central aspects of their gatherings. They met daily, both in the temple and in homes, to remember Christ's sacrifice and approach God's throne with confidence.

4. Devotion to Making Disciples

The church grew daily because disciples made disciples. It's a simple yet profound truth: discipled people disciple people. The early believers, grounded in teaching, fellowship, and worship, naturally shared the gospel with others. They understood that they were created, redeemed, and discipled to make disciples.

Reflections for Today's Church

As we reflect on this model of the early church, several challenges emerge for contemporary believers:

1. Are we as passionate about God's Word as the early church was? Do we exhibit that "raging hunger" for scripture?

2. How do we practice true koinonia? Are we willing to give of ourselves—our time, resources, and comfort—for the sake of genuine fellowship?

3. Is our worship centered on remembering Christ's sacrifice and approaching God in prayer, or has it become routine?

4. Are we actively making disciples, or have we relegated that task to church leaders?

The Path Forward

The example of the Jerusalem church calls us to a deeper, more devoted faith. It challenges us to move beyond simply attending church to being the church. This means:

- Immersing ourselves in God's Word daily, allowing it to transform our minds and hearts.

- Pursuing authentic fellowship that goes beyond surface-level interactions, being willing to share our lives and resources with one another.

- Engaging in worship that truly focuses on Christ's sacrifice and approaches God with reverence and expectation.

- Committing ourselves to the task of making disciples, understanding that this is not an optional part of our faith but central to our calling as believers.

As we strive to embody these characteristics, we must remember that this is not about replicating a perfect model from the past. Rather, it's about capturing the spirit of devotion, community, and mission that defined the early church.

The journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone. Just as the early believers found strength and growth in community, so too can we support and encourage one another in our spiritual walks. Whether through small groups, mentoring relationships, or simply intentional friendships, we can create spaces where koinonia flourishes.

Ultimately, the story of the early church reminds us that true transformation—both personal and societal—begins with a genuine encounter with Christ. It's about hearts being "cut to the core" and lives reoriented around the gospel. As we seek to follow in the footsteps of those first believers, may we too be known for our devotion to God's Word, our love for one another, our passionate worship, and our commitment to sharing the good news of Jesus with all who will listen.

The challenge before us is clear. Will we, like the early church, give ourselves fully to these pursuits? Will we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us, guide us, and empower us for the work of the kingdom? The world is waiting for a church that embodies the transformative power of the gospel. May we be that church, for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom.