Marks of a Spirit Filled Church
The times we are living in are difficult. Most of us can’t wait to see the end of the restrictions due to the Covid19 virus. But God is faithful, He promises to use all things together for good and He has provided the Church with a great opportunity. We can take a good look at how we compare to the earliest Church whose record has been preserved in God’s perfect Word, The Scriptures.
In Acts 2:42-27 we see a vibrant and growing Church characterised by at least four Holy Spirit empowered attributes. We can look at this community and judge the state of the Church we serve, asking God to mould and shape us to be as they were. The four attributes are the craving of the things of God, a Holy fear and loving fascination with God, a love for one another that is stronger than the love of material desires and finally a simple contentment.
Scripture
Acts 2:42-47 ESV And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. [43] And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [44] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. [45] And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. [46] And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, [47] praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Bible Study Questions
The Holy Spirit creates godly desires in us and causes us to crave the things of God. He does this by opening our eyes and revealing the glorious Gospel truth to us. What should we do if we want Him to raise these desires us within us? (Ephesians 3:14-21)
Does God still want us to fear Him? How did the disciple John (Revelation 1:17-18) respond in the presence of God? How is his response similar to Moses? (Exodus 3:6)
They Holy Spirit made the early Church what it was, but what can we do to place ourselves in the best possible position to cultivate a Holy awe, fascination, love, reverence and fear of God that they demonstrated? (James 4:8, Deuteronomy 4:29)
Does the Lord Jesus expect us to be like the early Church? (Revelation 2:5)
In what ways can we ask and expect God to change our desires through the work of His Holy Spirit in us? (Galatians 5:16-23) Do you see the same fruit in the earliest Church?
How do gratitude and contentment influence our attitudes to the trials of life? (Philippians 4:4-7)
What does the Lord Jesus promises to the faithful Church that perseveres to the end? (Revelation 3:5, Revelation 3:12, Revelation 3:21)
Prayer
Dear Father God, We Thank You and praise You for Your perfect Word. Thank You for keeping a record of Your work throughput history and especially in the early Church. Your Word tells us that You are unchanging Father, and so we know that You can do in us what You did in them. Lord Jesus Christ we want Your Church to be the bride You paid for with Your life. We are so grateful for what You have done for us. Please help us to hunger and thirst for Your righteousness and Glory. Please take each of us and use us and our gifts and resources to bring Glory to You, In Jesus Name. Amen.
Worship
Dwell in me, O blessed Spirit!
How I need your help divine!
In the way of life eternal,
keep, O keep this heart of mine.
Dwell in me, O blessed Spirit,
gracious Teacher, Friend divine!
For the kingdom work that calls me,
O prepare this heart of mine.
Grant to me your sacred presence;
then my faith will ne'er decline.
Comfort me and help me onward;
fill with love this heart of mine.
Service
The first Church community was wonderful blessed and most unusual. The Holy Spirit worked in peoples hearts and lives and raised them to be faithful, diligent and selfless. We recognise that God must do this work in us, we can not be the same as they were in our own strength, but what can we do to make sure we position ourselves where God can use us as a community to be the Church as they were? How do we cultivate the four elements of this early Church?