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Acts 2:42-43 – And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
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Do we read the Scriptures haphazardly? Do we give serious and necessary consideration to the order in which so many things are set forth in the Scriptures? How many Christians have gone from studying the Word of God for themselves, allowing Holy Spirit to speak and reveal truth them to allowing those who fill the pulpits to do their thinking for them? For that matter, how many people in the world today have all but lost the ability to think for themselves, and allow intellectuals, philosophers, politicians, and media to think for them? Is it also possible that the order established by the Lord through which He would show Himself mighty to, through, and for us, is often overlooked because we fail to see any real importance of it?
Look at our Text for Today. In it we see four phrases, all connected by the word “and.” That conjunction, “and” indicates connection, not separation. At the same time, the manner in which it is stated implies that the “and” would indicate a particular order, or sequence. Take a closer look at the sequence.
First, “they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship.” Their lives were being built around the foundation of the Word of God. Second, they were faithful in the “breaking of bread, and in prayers.” They ministered to one another, sharing with one another, serving one another, and praying with and for one another. This was a result of obedience to the Word in which they continued stedfastly. Third, “fear came upon every soul.” This only happens when there is a true sense of the presence, power, plan, and purpose of God. Following the first two elements, they became more and more aware of the powerful presence of the Lord. Fourth, “many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.” When the Word is given first place and final authority, AND when God’s people are together in unity, peace, and prayer, AND when God’s people hold their God in awe and respect, the outcome is manifest in the working of signs and wonders by the hand of the Lord.
I am convinced that our God has set forth in His Word what we could call divine orders, divine sequences, divine steps, that when followed, not out of some legal obligation, but out of loving compliance with His wishes for us, then He manifests His ultimate will in, for, to, through, and with us. 3 John 2 is so powerful in the light of this statement. There the Lord says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.” Allow the Word to bring soul prosperity to your thinking. There is a divine result to divine order.
Manna for Today – Acts 2:13-47; Mark 4:26-29; Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
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My Second Miler by Dr. Beechard Moorefield 