The primitive church in Jerusalem was a truly great church. In the face of intense persecution, both the apostles and laypeople were used of God to boldly witness of Christ's resurrection, resulting in daily conversions and amazing growth. The power of the Holy Spirit was apparent in both their public ministry and their personal lives. There was a baptism of love as well as of power. In fulfillment of Christ's words in John 13:35, the unsaved became convinced that these members were true disciples of Jesus because of their love for one another. God put His mark of approval upon this church. It is therefore worthy of our profound meditation and emulation. We have the same Holy Spirit that they had. He is “with us till the end of the age.”
Let the example of the church at Jerusalem challenge us to “in one spirit and with one mind strive together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27). The lost world around us will sit up and take notice. Jesus stated His purpose for praying for the unity of all believers in John 17:21 – “…that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” When God's favor is upon us, He will give us favor in the eyes of others. Our caring and sharing will be a powerful testimony to the community around us of the truth we profess.
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Bob Vradenburgh is the senior pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has spent 40 years in full-time Christian service: the first 20 years as a missionary and the past 20 years in the pastorate. Bob’s passion is the expository preaching of God’s Word,...
