Introduction:
If we want an accurate picture of what happens when God has His way in our lives and in our assemblies, we must go to the Word of God. In the Word, we can see how God moves in and through His people.
So often we read and interpret the Word through the lenses of our present-day experience. When we think of a church meeting, or any kind of gathering of believers, we often have a pre-formed concept of how it should be. But this needs to be laid aside. Like a computer, our “hard drive” needs to be formatted, wiped clean, and start all over, programming in only what the Word says. Our expectation should be only what God has laid out in His Word.
This is an area of needed repentance. When man does it his way, in violation to God’s way, there needs to be repentance. Our faith is to be in God, trusting God to have His way, looking to God to have His way. Walking on the water of God’s Word and God’s way might be a scary thing to the natural man. A storm might ensue. But by keeping our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ, we will conquer the storm by holding to the hand of the Master Teacher. Even if some water splashes on us, we will be OK. There is great reward in learning to let God have His way.
So, laying aside all pre-formed concepts, let’s launch out into the Word and see how God does things in and through His people. These are a people who are totally surrendered to God. (This is key)
Matthew 21: 13 (the house of prayer); Acts 1 & 2
How It All Got Started— (with a prayer meeting in a house) Acts 1: 14; Acts 2: 1-41
1. Prayer—agreed acknowledgment of the Lord Jesus Christ being among us (This is key)
Jesus known and presented as Lord—the Boss over all. Matthew 18: 18-20; Acts 2: 36
Jesus known and presented as Jesus—identifies with us as a person in a flesh body
Jesus known and presented as Christ—anointed by the Holy Spirit for us to have that same Spirit
2. Infilling with Spirit—receiving the Spirit upon you with supernatural evidence
3. Preaching the gospel in the power of the Spirit—telling what Jesus has accomplished for us. (God’s goal is for you to open your mouth and speak in the power of the Spirit!)
4, Hearing the gospel presented in the power of the Spirit, the people repented, believed, and were water baptized, and are instructed in the way of the Spirit. They are instructed to save themselves from this wicked generation by believing the good news of what Jesus has accomplished for us and by walking in the power of the Spirit. Galatians 3: 1-5
How It Continued—Acts 2: 42-47
. Doctrine—teaching the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ
. Fellowship—testimonies of what God is doing in your life; iron sharpening iron; gifts operating
. Breaking of bread—eating together and taking communion together
. Prayers—spending time talking to God together; ushering in God’s presence (This is key)
, Reverence to God’s presence, an atmosphere of awe—actively seeking and allowing God to have His way in our lives; yielding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit (This is key)
. Wonders and signs—this is the natural outcome of God having His way
. Giving freely—pooling resources to meet everyone’s needs and get the gospel out to others
. Continually meeting together in homes and the temple with gladness, for mutual encouragement and edification to accomplish the mission of sharing Jesus with the world
. They were a happy, free, changed people who were freely praising God, gaining favor with the people around them, so that more people came to know the Lord each day.
More Detail for Meeting Together
1 Peter 4: 7-11—If you have something to say, say it so everybody can hear it.
Romans 12: 5-13—We all have something to contribute. Pray “instant,” quickly, about it for what, when, and for how long (be respective of others).
Ephesians 4: 15-16—Speaking truth in love, build each other up in the Lord.
Ephesians 5: 17-21—Stay filled with the Spirit praising God, submitting to one another.
1 Corinthians 12: 6-12—Be open to the operation of the Spirit in your life.
1 Corinthians 14 (esp. 26-40)—Meet together, share, build others up in an orderly way.
Summary
Everybody has something to share. Submit to one another for what, when and length of time to share. Speak to be heard. Don’t dominate the meeting. Share things that build up and encourage. Test the spirit to see if it is according to the Word and way of God in all humility. A proud, contentious, combative spirit is not needed. There is no place for condemnation. Always have the Lord Jesus Christ as central and exalted, pointing people to His righteousness and His finished work for mankind.