In Acts, we see the blueprint for a healthy church—a community where lives are truly changed, both individually and collectively. The early believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to breaking bread, and to prayer. These weren’t just religious activities; they were the foundation for transformation. When a church is healthy, it’s not just a place where people gather, but a place where people are reborn, where the lost are found, and where the broken are restored. This is not just a corporate calling, but a personal one. Each of us is called to live out these foundations in our own lives, to be people who are shaped by Scripture, who invest deeply in community, and who are open to the life-changing work of the Holy Spirit.
A healthy church is marked by regular celebrations of new life—people coming to know Jesus, being baptized, and experiencing real, visible change. These aren’t just numbers or statistics; they are stories of God’s grace at work. When we see someone’s life transformed, whether it’s a dramatic turnaround or a subtle shift in character, we should celebrate and give thanks. Growth is a natural byproduct of this kind of faithfulness. When we are obedient to the Great Commission, when we pray for our neighbors and share the gospel, God brings the increase.
But transformation isn’t just about numbers. It’s about having eyes to see the needs around us—both physical and spiritual. Like Peter and John at the temple, we are called to notice those who are hurting, marginalized, or in need, and to respond with compassion and discernment. Meeting physical needs is important, but it must always be accompanied by the hope of the gospel. We must be people of prayer and the Word, seeking God’s wisdom for how to serve and love well.
Miracles still happen—sometimes in dramatic ways, sometimes in the quiet miracle of a changed heart. In a world that denies objective truth, the gospel stands as a beacon of hope and certainty. When we hold fast to biblical truth and share it boldly, it brings awe and wonder, not just to us, but to those who are searching for something real. The ripple effect of one changed life can transform families, communities, and even generations.
Acts 2:42–47 (ESV) — > And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Acts 3:1–10 (ESV) — > Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
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