What Do We Do?

Read Acts 1:1-5, 2
 
Acts 2:4242 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
 
A normal point of many church meetings relates to discussion of ministries or “programs” that will be effective to grow the church. The question, “What do we do?” is asked and leaders share their opinions. That can be a critical moment in the church’s life. Unfortunately, “What do we do?” is too often answered with, “I think we should do this.” Or “I have an idea about what we can do.” Church leaders often ignore or don’t even know of God’s blueprint for his church as revealed in Acts 2:42.
   “What do we do?” is pointedly answered in Acts 2:42-44. In the brand new church, the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to do God’s work, not their own. These anointed leaders fully trusted God’s power to change lives because God had changed theirs. The apostles fanned God’s salvation flames with prayer, teaching, sacraments and fellowship.
   That’s it! These are the marks of the church. No other ministry or program is essential for a church’s strength, influence and growth. Simple and direct, the Bible teaching and preaching is to be under prayer’s canopy. Fellowship, too, is to be for the purpose of encouragement, prayer and correction of one another. What else should a church be than a body of believers devoted to God, to one another and to the means of grace?        
   Through this ministry, “What do we do?” will lead to repentance unto salvation. Acts 2:37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins, turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ to show that you have received forgiveness for your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The preaching produced grief over sin. The sinners asked, “What should we do?”
   Peter didn’t say, “Do what you think is best.” He said, “Repent.” Out of the true preaching came the first converts. And the first community of Christ was formed to advance Jesus’ Great Commission.
   This is God’s way. Many new churches begin this way. But too soon ideas and preferences misdirect the church. For the sake of pleasing people, a pastor or church leadership will often displease God. Be careful your Christian walk and your church community keep these essentials as the essentials. If you have gone away from prayer, fellowship, communion, preaching and teaching, you or your church, too, should ask, “What do we do?” Then repent and be saved.