The Journey

The Journey

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)

The people who received God’s invitation to life and freedom found themselves hungry to understand more of God’s ways. Day by day, these new believers came to listen to the teachings of Jesus’ disciples, who had been taught by Him during His ministry on earth. Continually they encouraged one another in the faith. And they provided for each other with food and supplies, every one happily sharing whatever he had with the rest.

Every day they would meet in someone’s house to eat the special supper of bread and wine, in which they remembered that Jesus died for them and through which they were continually blessed (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). And day and night they cried out to God in prayer, that His will would be done in their lives and on the earth. This was the glorious beginning of the congregation, or church, of Jesus.

Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:5)

But as these new believers grew stronger in their faith, they started to be disliked by those who did not share their beliefs. Many were mocked, some were beaten, and others were even killed for their faith! Even their friends pressured them to leave this new life they had found. Satan, too, harassed them, putting great difficulties in their paths to make them doubt God’s love and truth. And even from their own hearts temptations arose—temptations to pleasures, to riches and to fame.

But in all this their faith was being tested to see if it was real. So the believers learned to depend on Jesus and His strength to overcome all their hardships. And this they did, continuing in His grace, waiting for the day when He would return. And they knew that even if they died before that day came, their soul would not die, but be instantly in the presence of their wonderful Lord in the Heavenly city of God (2 Corinthians 5:8).

"But you shall receive power, after the Holy Spirit has come upon you: and you shall be witnesses to Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

Now when Jesus had gone into Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit down to earth. This was so His disciples could have power to heal the sick and to preach the good news, just like Jesus had done. For He had told them to tell everyone about Him—that He was God’s Son and that He had died for sinners—until the whole world would hear. So then, just as God the Father had sent Jesus into the world, now Jesus, who had risen up from the dead, was sending His disciples into the world.

And this was their great joy and calling: not only to have eternal life for themselves, but to offer it to all people everywhere, warning them also that Jesus would one day return to judge the earth. So, down through the centuries, true believers have taken up this call and have told others about Jesus and His invitation to eternal life. And while many people never listen, yet when just one soul turns from death to life, all Heaven rejoices!