ACTS 2:42–47 – “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.”

THEME OF THE DAY: WOULD WE FIT IN?  Picture this scene from today’s scripture. What an exciting experience!  The early church was alive and thriving.  These first century believers hungered for the Word of God, to be with other Christians, to share life together sacrificially, to worship, to enjoy hospitality, and frankly, learning together to be the church committed to one another and the mission of the church.  And what was the result? The answer concludes today’s scriptures – “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved”. Evangelism. Disciple-making. Obeying and realizing the Great Commission – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

There was another church that was living out her mission and would have been a hotbed of spiritual encouragement and excitement. It was the church at Thessalonica. Here is the Apostle Paul’s description and affirmation of these believers being the church together – “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come”  (1 Thessalonians 1:2-10).

Now comes the very important question from today’s theme but first, go back and ponder the descriptions of the two churches we addressed.  Get a very real and vivid picture of their body life together.  Okay, application time and I hope it isn’t painful for any of us, but encouraging and affirming – would we fit in?  If we were transported back in time, would we seamlessly fit into these two churches and feel right at home?  Or would we be out of place because our understanding and commitment to the local church is foreign to their experiences.  Don’t gloss over this. Our spiritual health is impacted negatively or positively based on if we would fit in or not.

PRAYER: Father, I praise You for the wisdom You display in forming the church centered on Your Son.

REFLECTION: Being with God’s people in the church is not an option but a glorious and joyful necessity.