~ How Do You Measure Up? ~
Acts 2
provides seven glimpses of an authentic Christian life.
Confessing Life
~ During this time of the early
church a miracle was evidenced and we read that “All
of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them” (verse 4). Clearly they
were expressing their faith in God and what He had done in their lives. Today we
should be witnessing with words about what we have experienced in Christ. “One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see” (John 9:24).
Convicting Life
~ Those observing the scene were
convinced that something special was occurring. “Utterly
amazed, they asked: ‘Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?’”
(verse 7). Today we are to have a lifestyle which is
convicting to others because of our love for one another. “By this shall all
men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Today
we are witnessing by our lives regarding the reality of what we have
experienced in Christ.
Converting Life
~ “‘Therefore
let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified,
both Lord and Christ.’ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart
and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” (verses
36-37). Because of the reality of what was heard and observed, others were
converted by putting their faith in Christ.
Constant Life
~ “They
devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the
breaking of bread and to prayer” (verse 42). Their conversions had a
consistent impact on their lifestyle.
Continuing Life
~ “Every
day they continued to meet together in the temple courts” (verse 46a).
Clearly “every day” indicates that this was not a flash-in-the-pan
experience.
Communing Life
~ “They
broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts”
(verse 46b). Are you regularly meeting with fellow believers in Jesus Christ?
Contagious Life
~ “Praising
God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their
number daily those who were being saved” (verse 47). The natural result
of authentic Christianity will be others wanting what we have and coming to
know our Lord as their personal Savior.
~ Robert
Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
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