The Early Church

Acts 2:42

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. 

As I read these verses, I wonder how would the church of my day compare to the early church.   

• First, they were devoted to the apostles' teaching and fellowship. Perhaps devotion might be the most telling factor of 2015. Are church goers devoted to anything having to do with the church? No, it is more like an obligation that needs to be fulfilled once a week. Looking back to my childhood and early adult years, we had Sunday School, church, 2 services on Sunday night and Wednesday night. Even if our motives were totally wrong, it gave us a lot of exposure to the things of God. Then when I look at women's studies today, how many want to study the word of God as opposed to a Christian book. But even if some want a Bible study, do they want it to take them deeply in the Word or a study that can be done quickly so as not to interfere with all the things they have to do.
•  to the breaking of bread and the prayers-Communion now is a scheduled things. I wonder how often the early church did this. Many people today see the value of prayer but do not want to devote much time to it. Once again it comes down to devotion.
•  many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles-This would generate much awe and excitement! The visible outworking of an inward change! The Church today doesn't see many legitimate healing or miracles. Does the church even have awe or reverence toward God Himself let alone for what He is doing in  the lives of others. 
• 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. All those who believed. That makes me think of James 1:6. Let him ask in faith with no doubting. For the one who doubts...will receive nothing from the Lord. He is a double-minded man...There was a deep-seated concern for one another to the point that possessions meant nothing. Now there is a decided difference. Christians today care very much about where they live, what their home looks like, furniture, and possessions. We even have the prosperity gospel that says that you are not truly blessed of God unless you are loaded with earthly possessions.
• 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.Daily in the temple. Daily breaking bread in their homes. They were thankful, glad, and generous.Time was spent in praising God and being right with all people. How far we have come the other way! The daily times of worship and communion are no more. We do praise God from grateful hearts, but how often? Hopefully, we are concerned about are relationship with God and other believers. But I am sure not to the degree that was experienced in the early church.
•  And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. The Lord added. It wasn't gimmicks or promotions. It was the Lord working mightily in their lives and hearts. Granted, this was the early church, and they had to take the church from nothing to spreading the gospel in their world. Our condition seems so much easier that it has lulled us into a 'have enough' kind of experience. We do enough to assuage our consciences or maybe just to keep up appearances in the eyes of others, but where is our heart? What do we desire? What is foremost in our minds?  

This was a heads-up for me, for me to look at my heart, my devotion, my prayer life, and my service. Am I doing all that God wants me to do? Am I listening intently? Am I following the Spirit's leading?

Father,

My heart is Yours. You have saved me and plotted out my life. I want no deviation. Spirit, speak and lead clearly. Fill me with boldness to share the gospel and what You have done in my life.

In Jesus name,

Amen