TAPPING INTO THE SECRETS OF THE EARLY CHURCH!!

“Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…..!”

(Acts 1:8 KJV)

The source of power and authority for the early church believer’s is the same source of power for the church today. Christ wants to empower us as His followers in this generation just as much as He did with the first followers . Those first believers understood the secrets of the Jesus life and as a result saw both blessing and success. I am convinced we can enjoy the same by observing the principles they did as the church got off to such a dynamic beginning where “…all Jerusalem was filled with their doctrine” What did they do that was so significant? If you meditate on the first five chapters of Acts the following four things begin to stand out:

1. They worshipped God with their whole heart.

2. They believed and taught the Word of God.

3. They were filled and anointed with the Holy Spirit.

4. They knew the authority of the name of Jesus and walked in it.

The Worship – demonstrated the manifest presence of God

They gave themselves unreservedly and with abandon to worship the Lord in such a way that it produced an unmistakable presence of the living God among them. This can be seen in verses like, “They took note that they had been with Jesus” or “Behold how they love one another”. These were all signs of the presence of God among them that was born out of the dynamic of worship.

The Word – convinced the people about Jesus Christ

They proclaimed the Word with boldness until it resonated in the hearts of people and they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. We must always keep on sowing the Word because the scriptures remind us that it will not return void but will accomplish the task to which it is sent. Sow the word into people as often as you can; then watch it work!!

The Spirit – was the power that produced the miracles

As those first believers ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit it was so huge that whole cities were shaken, multitudes were saved, the sick were healed, the demon-possessed were delivered, and the dead were brought to life. Seek to draw closer to God and let His Spirit move through you.

The Name – was their credential and authority

The authority of His name was effective against demons, diseases, and impossibilities, so that the godless officials trembled before their faith and influence. Remember Acts 3, “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” Exercise your spiritual authority in His name – there’s power in that name!!

Each of these four tools are available to us today as leaders, believers and as a corporate church, and they have not lost any of their power or dynamic. So let us submit and surrender ourselves to the Lord daily and pray: “God touch us afresh with that same power to affect our families, our friends, our community, our country, and the nations!”

Mmmmm…….Think about it!!