The Church that the Risen Lord Builds, Part 5 – Acts 2:47

The early Christian philosopher Tertullian once penned, “The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church.” He believed that persecution grew and purified the church, as faith was refined and doctrine was soundly tuned. Persecution was commonplace to the early church in the book of Acts. The Roman state cruelly persecuted Christians because of their faith in Jesus Christ, but rather than responding with retaliation and war, the church eventually won Rome over by truth and love. How was this possible? The answer has been the theme of our current sermon series- the church thrived under persecution because it was built by the risen Lord.

We conclude this series with two final principles in v.47 that describe the practices of the church built by the risen Jesus.

The likability of the church… (“…having favor with all the people.”) We live in a social climate where the church is generally held in disdain. The public image of the church is so tarnished that so-called Christians say they love Christ, but hate the church. This is Satan’s deception, and it is vastly different from how the world used to view the church. The early church had favor- or grace- with all the people. These people were the ones who witnessed their conversion, and the transformation that took place in the life of every one who was converted to Christ. Even though they themselves did not believe, they saw Christians as being ethical and moral, and so they respected them. It is similar to the way Abraham was honored by his neighboring Gentiles who saw that God’s favor was with him as he continually practiced faith in all his dealings. (Gen 23:6-7; 15)

What does it mean to be likable? There is a type of likability that most modern day churches eagerly pursue. They seek to be likable to the world, using every means to look just like the world. They are ashamed of the gospel, and regard man over God and His truth. The early church did not do this. From the beginning of their new life in Christ, they knew they were separate from the world. We must know that the church will be hated by the world. The only reason why the church of Acts was likable to the world is found in v.47. The church was praising God, and was having favor with all the people. Believers praised God because they knew the God who raised Jesus from the dead. (Rom 10:9; Acts 4:10). Those who know God love Him, resulting in obedience and fear. The early church loved the Lord with all their heart, and they therefore loved their neighbor as themselves. (Lk 10:27) This is why outsiders liked the church- the church’s love for God resulted in a sacrificial love for others. (1Jn 3:16)

The demonstration of God’s activity… (“And the Lord was adding to their number…”) This is a natural outcome to the church’s likability- people like them, and so they listen to what the church has to say. Christians must be sacrificial in love at whatever cost, because the world sees the love of Jesus through our sacrifice. God is at work in His church.

How can we know Jesus is present and working with our church?

– The Lord adds to faith and numbers. Every Christian shows growth, because they are living with the risen Lord. (Matt 13:23) It is God who adds to our faith, as well as to our numbers. We evangelize to share the gospel in our work of watering and planting, but it is only God who causes the growth of saving faith. Evangelism is man’s responsibility under God’s total sovereignty. (1Cor 3:6-7)

– Everyone has hope. The moment we begin to believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we set our minds and seek the things of heaven, not on earth. (Col 3:1-2) This is biblical hope- in Christ, we confidently expect something good in the future. When believers become too busy with the world, their hope in heaven and in Christ diminish. We must therefore obey God and constantly set our minds heavenwards.

– People pray, and God answers. When the early church prayed, miraculous acts of God took place. This is the power of prayer- where the church gathers, the Lord is there. When we pray, anything can happen, because the risen Lord is with us, and we seek Him and depend on Him.

In all circumstances, the early church practiced their devotion to Jesus Christ. They gave themselves to Scripture, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer, as God worked wonders and signs amongst them, converting souls to the risen Jesus. The church loved one another sacrificially, as they continually ate together in joy and sincerity. They loved God and loved their neighbor, and the Lord worked mightily through them to add to their number day by day those who were being saved. This is God’s blueprint for the church under the risen Lord. As we practice these principles by depending on the Holy Spirit daily, we will know that we are the church that the living Lord Jesus continually builds today.