And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42
Those of us who are rapidly growing older often find ourselves looking back to the ‘good old days’. It is true that much of life was better back in our youth, although it is just as true that many aspects of modern life are dramatically improving as the years go by. We can think of plenty of examples of both. But one area that is seeing rapid deterioration is in the ‘continued steadfastly’ mentioned in today’s text.
That first Christian Assembly in Jerusalem had their spiritual priorities right. The apostles’ doctrine was critical for their growth and development, both as individual Christians and as an Assembly. The fellowship was crucial for displaying the love of Christ to each other and for enabling the work of spreading the Gospel to the world. The breaking of bread was essential to keep their minds and hearts focused on the love of Christ. And the prayers were their vital communication link with Heaven. They thrived as they continued steadfastly in these.
The apostle’s doctrine is under duress today as more Christians read Bibles produced from corrupted texts, and as they abandon more of the foundational truths established in the early days of our Assemblies. Fellowship takes a beating as Christians align themselves in social and doctrinal cliques that God never intended. The breaking of bread loses its impact amid a lack of preparedness and a shrinking of respect for the Lord’s presence. And the prayers suffer from a departure from the reverence that is appropriate.
Are we continuing steadfastly as the early disciples did? Time for a reality check! -Jim MacIntosh
Here is the link to the video of this message: https://youtu.be/55PIVz1bgZU