How do we become a Church of Acts? Things may be a little different than they were in biblical times, but that doesn’t mean sharing the gospel and helping others has changed. Today I will be discussing chapters one and two and how we can model the early church in how we approach others with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

                                                   A Church of Acts: Chap. 1 & 2

                           What it looks like, and how to become one

ACTS 1: God Come Down

In the first chapter of Acts there was a mandate Jesus gave the 11 disciples, to “Be my messengers to Jerusalem, throughout Judea, the distant provinces – even to the remotest places on earth!” (Acts 1:8b TPT) This wasn’t a suggestion, or something that was for them and maybe those who became leaders. This is something God commands everyone to do – even if we are just planting/watering a seed for someone else to lead them in the prayer of salvation. So how were the disciples able to share the gospel and lead others into a relationship with Jesus? Let’s look below:

• Prayer:

The original 11 disciples met for fasting and prayer to see God move in their lives and those in their city/region. Before Jesus left, he told them to fast and pray because the Holy Spirit was going to come. One thing I have found, especially in the last few years of seriously following Jesus, is that if I want to see a might move of God, I must fast and pray. For those who have never been taught about fasting, or may have been taught but it was misconstrued, fasting simply means giving up something for a period of time to seek God.  And, if I am to be completely honest, it is usually something we absolutely love, and/or something that has taken the place of God – even if we are not aware of it!

Acts 2: The First Church

In the second chapter of Acts we see a group of 120 that met alongside the disciples in what was known as the Upper Room. After meeting for several days – the exact time they met has not been determined -, the Holy Spirit came and filled each one of them, and they began speaking in their spiritual language. Not only did God fill them, but there were many people from different regions around Jerusalem that started gathering because of the sounds coming from the Upper Room. I like how the Bible says each person gathered there heard those who were filled in their own language. Now, I am not saying when we receive the gift of speaking in tongues we automatically learn how to speak in Spanish or German or something, but what I am saying is that God has a reason for everything. I don’t know why these people heard the disciples and those who were filled in their own language, but what I do know is that God used those who were filled to share his message of Christ’ death and resurrection with them and bring reconciliation to His people. When we share what God has done for and through us, not some formal wordage that makes us sound smart, it will attract people towards us, and ultimately to God. We don’t have to be a pastor, evangelist, or even a great speaker, we just need to share our story!

• Reconciliation Happened:

After the Holy Spirit filled the 120 and Paul shared his testimony, people were getting saved and the first church was being put in place! If you will look in Acts at chapter 2, starting at verse 42, you will see God moved so heavy in the region that people were getting saved and they “faithfully devoted to following the teachings of the apostles. Their hearts were mutually linked to one another, sharing communion and coming together regularly for prayer.” (Acts 2:42 TPT) Now that is powerful! I don’t know about you, but I want to see God move like that in my city, my state, and all over the world!

Here is what we have learned so far in becoming a “Church of Acts:

Regularly fast and pray: This means seek God consistently and obediently.

Share Your Story: When God gives you the opportunity, share how God has changed your life and how He longs to reconcile Himself with everyone – no matter their skin color, gender, or nationality.

Get linked with a Community: Find other believers that you can link up with – those whom you can meet with regularly and share what God is doing in your current season of life – , and as a group go into your city/town or state and love on people.

By doing this, not only will you be fulfilling the calling God has for you, but you will have a sense of purpose and joy even when times get rough!

“Daily they met together in the temple courts and in one another’s homes to celebrate communion. They shared meals together with joyful hearts and tender humility. They were continually filled with praises to God, enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were coming to life.” Acts 2:46 – 47 The Passion Translation