Articles/Bulletins
"Works of the Church"
The church is one of the most amazing things God ever created. The church is a group of believers whose mission is to glorify God and share the Gospel with the lost. I find it disappointing how quickly congregations lose sight of what really matters. It is easy to get side-tracked and focus on things that do not ultimately matter. If we look to the early church, we will find a good example of what the church should be devoted to today.
“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."
Acts 2:42-47
In the first century, the church devoted itself to the apostle’s teachings, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayers. These things should be a foundation for what the church should be involved in. We are blessed to have the apostle’s teachings recorded for us in the Bible. The church shared the Gospel with people who did not have it and they worshipped God. We do not have to wonder whether or not God would want the church to do something. Our time and energy should be used on the directions that God has given us.
Also, the church was committed to spending time together. Many of them would have lived together for a time. Does your congregation commit to spending time together? It may be in a very small group or it may be everyone, regardless we should devote ourselves to fellowship.
As an individual, do you devote your time to these things? Do you support the works of the church? The church is made up of individuals. If we are not each doing our part to help strengthen the church, the church is not reaching its full potential. Each of us needs to allow God to work through our lives. God has blessed all of us with gifts that He expects us to use for his service.
Let us all devote ourselves to the studying of Scripture, fellowship with other Christians, and prayer. It is also important to be humble and willing to sacrifice for the betterment of others. God will use our efforts to do great things.
(Michael Rowand is the Pulpit Minister for the Golden Strip Church of Christ in Greenville, SC)