The Freshness of the Gospel

Whenever I read The Acts of the Apostles chapter 2 verses 41 – 47, I always yearn to see that  “freshness” of the gospel among us believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.  That excitement and innocence those very early believers had. They accepted the teachings of the Apostles and acted upon them.  They were excited about their salvation.  They were excited about their new way of living and about their deliverance from sin.  They were overjoyed regarding their new found faith. 

They were glad, happy and full of enthusiasm.  They joyfully met with each other.  Many open their homes to break bread and eat together.  The believers who had possessions sold them and shared the funds with those who were in need.  Except for Annias and Saphira, who lied to the Apostles and fell dead.  (Read Acts 5:1-11)

 Verse 46 of Acts Chapter 2 tells us, “they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.”   “Simplicity of heart” – what exactly does that mean?  Their hearts were gullible to the Gospel.  They were genuine in their behaviors.   They saw and heard of the various signs and wonders that were performed by the Apostles.  They accepted the teaching of the Apostles as it was delivered.  They did not second guess or dispute what they heard, as many of us do today.  They took the teachings to heart and acted upon them.  The whole written Word of God is authored by God.  We ought to respect it, love it, obey it and in so doing be joyful. 

We ought to apply the Apostles doctrine in our lives and in our local churches just as the early church did.  We ought to be steadfast and unwavering.  Those early believers were committed to the gospel.  They were committed to meeting with each other.  They were committed to remembering the Lord Jesus in the breaking of bread.  They were committed in praying.  Their get-togethers were simple and joyous.  They enjoyed each other’s company and they praised the Lord Jesus Christ.  Oh if we the church of Jesus Christ could only return to that innocence of the gospel.

 Let us not dispute over the Word of God.  Let us just do what it says.  God is a gracious God.  If we misunderstand a verse or a chapter, and apply it incorrectly in our lives, and we are committed to loving and serving Him, God will enlighten us.  God does not want us to be ignorant.  God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy.
 
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes on Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.  John 3:16


God has not changed.  He still loves us.  Let us obey the Word of God.  The four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John have Jesus’ teachings.  Let us go back to the gospels and become a disciple of The Lord Jesus Christ.  Let us follow His teachings.  Let us learn from The Acts of the Apostles.   Let us accept the truths written in the Epistles – Romans through Jude.  Let us be wowed by the imagery in The Book of Revelation.  Let us read the Old Testament for its history, for our education and our learning.  

The Bible is as relevant and genuine today as it was when it was written.   
Praise the Name of the Lord!

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