Hope you’re having a good week, Tabernacle Family!
A few weeks ago I preached a message about the Perfect Storm. In essence, it was what I sense as a call from God to return to faithful devotion to Him. What does that look like daily? Well Acts 2 gives us a snapshot of what our lives are to look like. Beloved, let’s not be moved day to day by information. Let’s live steady by revelation.
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47 NKJV
These 5 verses and the whole book of Acts give us a glimpse of the early church. In these verses, we have a look at what it means to be the church today.
Prophetic History - As believers, we are part of God speaking to man all throughout history.
Apostolic Teaching - Apostolic teaching isn’t good inspirational messages: it builds our lives into Kingdom culture.
Fellowship - We go deep and wide, having long covenantal relationships with people and welcoming the new person into our life daily.
Communion - We take communion weekly; remembering what Jesus has done.
Worship and Prayer - We live our lives as living sacrifices offering prayer and thanksgiving all day.
Fear of the Lord - It’s the beginning of wisdom.
Miracles - God is able to do miracles still today and we believe He can at any moment.
Covenant Community - Our relationships have loyalty and commitment at their core.
Financial Freedom - We are wise stewards and do not let the love of this culture and age grip us.
Honor their Heritage - We know where we’ve come from and we’re thankful to God for the ways he moved in the past, not critical of it.
Intentional Relationships - We don’t wait for people to come into our lives: we make time and reach out to make friendships.
Gratitude - We are a thankful people.
Favor of All People - We grow in favor with the people of our community.
Evangelism - Healthy people and community is the greatest witness of what God can do in broken people.
This week, I’m putting down the news for a little bit. I’m going to pick 2 of these 14 indicators to be intentional about. Will you join me? Let’s be the church! If you want to find out more about the 14 Indicators of Apostolic Christianity, check out Bishop Robert’s sermon series on The Tab YouTube channel or reach out to the bookstore to get the DVD.
God Bless,
Mark Passarella