Marks of A True Church

“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.  (Acts 2:46-47)
           
     It’s very sad that the church of the 21st century does not more closely resemble the early church of the 1st century.  If it did, we would see many more people transformed for the glory of God.  Let’s look at just a few of the things that made the early church so special.  First, the Scripture says there were unified – “continuing daily with one accord.”  If a church has no unity, it will not accomplish great things for God.  Also, they maintained consistent fellowship with one another – “from house to house.”
     
           Further, these verses tell us that they “ate their food with gladness.”  The joy of the Lord was evident in their midst and noticeable by others.  They were also a simple people, living with “simplicity of heart.”  They were not overwhelmed with many of the modern distractions that have hampered the church of today.  Furthermore, they spent their time “praising God.”  When a group of believers fails to worship, they have ceased to be the church.  Glorifying God is our highest goal!
       
        Finally, Scripture tells us that the Lord caused the church to have favor with all people.  In other words, the Lord blessed them to find good graces even with those outside the church – true evidence of revival and awakening!  And what was the result of a church of fire for Christ?  “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”  Contrast that with churches across our country who may not baptize one person all year long.  May God help us not simply to “come to church,” but to be the church!