We continue our study of the New Testament and this month we dedicate to Book of Acts. We study chapter 2, where we find description of early Church. In one brief paragraph, Luke gives us a summary of the activities and spirit of the early church (2:42-47). Verse 42 summarizes the early Christian gatherings. Four kinds of activities are enumerated; the first is the apostles’ teaching, instruction based upon Old Testament Scriptures, and a growing body of new revelation (see John 14:26; 16:13). Most comprehensive of these activities is fellowship, which means sharing together in material goods as well as spiritual wealth (see 1 John). This finds expression in a temporary widespread sharing and selling of ” their possessions and goods” (v. 45) to meet the enormous needs of the Pentecost pilgrims and converted widows (Acts 6). People continue to maintain private ownership, a tact implied by the meetings in their homes. Another activity is the “breaking of bread,” Luke’s expression for the Lord’s Supper which is celebrated as they eat together their regular meals. Finally, they devote themselves to prayer (v. 42), in the Greek literally “prayers,” probably implying either the several times of prayer (3:1) or, more likely, the wide participation of early believers in prayer.
In addition to the spirit of “awe” (v. 43), the general spiritual atmosphere is one of “praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people” (v. 47), the bedrock of good evangelism which gives the Lord-not the churches leaders -the basis upon which he adds “to their number daily those who are being saved.” Believers faithfully witness; God builds the church.Why must we forgive? Jesus was unequivocal on this point: As his followers, we are required to forgive those who sin against us (Matthew 6:15). But what if we don’t feel like we’ve forgiven them? How do we know, then, if we have truly forgiven? The Holy Spirit, thank God, often enables people to forgive even though they are not sure how they did it. But forgiving and knowing that we’ve truly forgiven, comes easier when we understand the realities of forgiveness. In our discussion of this subject, we give your prospective from the New Testament point of view.
We continue our research of great preachers of the past. June, we dedicate to John Wesley (1703-1791). No preacher of the eighteenth century exerted more influence than John Wesley. Some historians have insisted that had it not been for Wesley the horrors of revolution would have shaken British society. He led a religious and moral revival of such extent that the character and course of an entire nation were changed. We study several bright sermons by John Wesley, one of which dedicated to the presence of God.
Do I not fill heaven and earth? Saith the Lord” (Jeremiah 23:24).
1. How strongly and beautifully do these words express the omnipresence of God. And can there be, in the whole compass of nature, a more sublime subject? Can there be any, more worthy the consideration of every rational creature? Is there any, more necessary to be considered and understood, so far as our poor faculties will admit? How many excellent purposes may it answer? What deep instruction may it convey to all the children of men? And more directly to the children of God?
2. How is it, then, that so little has been written on so sublime and useful a subject? It is true, that some of our most eminent writers have occasionally touched upon it, and have several strong and beautiful reflections, which were naturally suggested by it. But which of them has published a regular treatise, or so much as a sermon, upon this head? Perhaps many were conscious of their inability to do justice to so vast a subject. It is possible, there may some such lie hid in the voluminous writings of the last century. But as they are hidden even in their own country, if they are already buried in oblivion, it is the same, for any use they are of, as if they had never been written.
3. What seems to be wanting still, for general use, is a plain discourse on the omnipresence or ubiquity of God: first, in some manner explaining and proving that glorious truth-God is in this, and every place; and then applying it to the consciences of all thinking men, in a few practical inferences.
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