Alfio La Spina
March 2017
The early church got noticed by the love they had for one another and all the wonders and signs performed by the disciples. Acts is full of examples of people that were consumed by their love for Jesus and each other.
Brethren we have received the exact same Holy Spirit that they received. However, we have all quenched the Spirit of God to some degree. We need to do all we can to give the Holy Spirit complete reign in our lives and get to our full potential. Jesus has given us all we need to come to perfection so we need to strive towards that.
Proverbs 27:17 (ISV) Iron sharpens iron; so, a man sharpens a friend’s character
We can learn so much from having spiritual discussions with our brothers and sisters. Each member of the Body of Christ has their own insights and when they share them with the Body of Christ it benefits and grows.
1Corinthians 12:7 (ISV) To each person has been given the ability to manifest the Spirit for the common good.
Of course, all members need to be in unity to be able to function properly and be effective.
The early church came together often to remember Christ and what he did by doing what He instructed the apostles to do at the last supper. The disciples came together often to partake of the Lord’s Supper. They were called Love Feasts. For a clear understanding of this please refer to this article Feasts of Charity
Part of the reason for their effectiveness was that they did what Jesus instructed and by doing it often, the early church had life and was on fire. When we have fellowship with one another and we discuss the scriptures and search for truth, God hears us as we reason and share the insight we have and share it with each other. 2
Malachi 3:16 (ISV) Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other. The LORD listened and took note, and a scroll of remembrance was written in his presence about those who fear the LORD and honour His name.
At this very end time all the signs Jesus spoke of are here and the great tribulation is near. The Laodicean attitude is also very prevalent now. Those of us that have this attitude may not even know it. We will be woken up by a great shaking which will be the great tribulation. Or we can take a good hard look at our lives and fervently pray that God shows us our condition and we repent.
Jesus gave us some information about the condition we may be in.
Revelation 3:17 (ISV) You say, “I am rich. I have become wealthy. I don’t need anything.” Yet you don’t realize that you are miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.
At Passover we are instructed to examine ourselves however we should do that often not just at Passover. We need to examine ourselves and ask our Father to show us if any of those things apply to us?
Revelation 3:18 (ISV) Therefore, I advise you to buy from me gold purified in fire so you may be rich, white clothes to wear so your shameful nakedness won’t show, and ointment to put on your eyes so you may see.
Of course, we know that Jesus is not speaking of gold that comes from the earth.
Revelation 3:19 (ISV) I correct and discipline those whom I love, so be serious and repent!
He is speaking of correction through trials that will burn away all the bad traits in us and make us pure so we can receive white clothes and the healing ointment for our eyes so we can see.
Psalms 119:71 (ISV) It was for my good that I was humbled; so that I would learn your statutes. 3
Psalms 119:72 (ISV) Instruction that comes from you is better for me than thousands of gold and silver coins.
Jesus says all men will know that we are His disciples if we have love for one another as He has loved us. Brethren we have been given the knowledge of the Kingdom of God along with the ability to become kings and priests in it. We should fast and pray that our light shines so bright that we are examples that others will want to follow.
Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.