Timely Insights into God's Word from Khandielese Reyes

“And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.  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.  And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.  (Acts 2:40-47)  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that out of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.  Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.  (Acts 4:32-35) 

“The Church of Yesterday” was one filled with vitality and commitment. Then, there seemed to be a greater hunger for the word, and a greater desire for The Lord, and the Apostles preached Jesus in such a way that an unbeliever sought them out declaring “what must I do to be saved!”  There wasn’t a need to “lure” folk into hearing the word with theatrics and/or gimmicks, nor was there a need to attempt to keep them by preaching those things “itching ears” desire to hear. They simply preached JESUS and allowed the Holy Spirit to convict the heart of the hearer of sin whereby they repented and accepted the gift of salvation through their acceptance of Him.  There was such a hunger for Christ and a thirst for righteousness that the things they counted worthy of “value” prior to their knowledge of the Lord, appeared to have no value at all as they became rich and wealthy in spirit.  And, to demonstrate their lack of concern for the things of this world, the scriptures declare that as many as were possessors of lands, or houses and such, sold what they had and the proceeds were then distributed to every man who had need.  When the proceeds were laid at the Apostles feet, they didn’t in turn rush out to purchase a “fancy” chariot, or clothing made of fine material.  They didn’t seek to build a palace for themselves or purchase jewels of gold and silver.  Instead they sought out from among them those brethren who were in need and appropriately distributed the proceeds to them.  This not only demonstrated the absence of desire for material gain, but it also demonstrated their LOVE for one another as they obediently followed the Lord’s commandment to do so, and fulfilled the scriptures which declare: “By this shall  all men know that ye are my disciples, IF ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)  For how does one demonstrate his love?  By word ONLY, or by deed as well.  How can one see another’s love except through action.  Words alone will not validate the heart, for many can say “I love you”.  But not all would feed you when you’re hungry, nor give you water when you’re thirsty.  And not many would visit you while you’re sick and in prison.  However, the one that speaks the words and act upon them, such have demonstrated his love and proven the validity of his heart.  Because of their love and obedience to the word the scriptures declare that NONE suffered lack among them and that they had ALL things common.  This would mean that the brethren among them had every basic need taken care of.   There was not one that lacked, not one that went without.  Their needs were taken care of because they demonstrated their love for one another in the giving and sharing of the blessing God had given them.   Through these blessed acts of unselfishness, God was Glorified.   

It simply amazes me how “The Church of Yesterday” was able to function in this manner and joyfully might I add, and yet the church of today have difficulties.    Yesterday’s church was an excellent example for the church of “today”, and yet for some reason, today’s church refuses to follow the example.   They were extremely blessed and prospered greatly, although many today would not considered what they had as being prosperous for today’s church tend to identify prosperity with “material gain”.  One is blessed based upon how much abundance he possess according to the church today.  However the wealth the Apostles and the earlier church obtained, WE TODAY should be striving for and should be willing to surrender whatever is keeping us back from obtaining this Spiritual Wealth.  What they owned could not be purchased with silver and gold.  One cannot purchase “intimacy” and oneness with Jesus, and certainly wisdom cannot be bought with silver or gold.  Neither could mercy, compassion, spiritual gifts, and the greatest of all, LOVE!  The things that cannot be purchased with money are the MOST valuable thus THEY were indeed MORE prosperous!   Everything that was done then concerning the church they did in complete “spiritual ORDER”, thus the Lord blessed them and added to them daily new believers!  Now, many today may say the Lord has added to their congregation as well.  Every week new believers come!  Here me clearly when I say this, It does NOT matter how many come before the altar, what matters is HOW MANY REMAIN THERE AT THE FOOT OF JESUS!  It doesn’t matter how many “new names” you’ve added to your church “membership”, but what matters is HOW MANY OF THOSE NAMES ARE TRULY WRITTEN IN THE LAMBS BOOK OF LIFE!   It’s not about “numbers” but about genuine surrender, genuine REPENTANCE!   

The problem with today’s church and some leadership is their focus are on the wrong things!  Today’s church desires great wealth of “material substance”, while the church of yesterday desired great wealth of the heart, and OBTAINED IT!   Today’s church desires to be “glorified” while the church of yesterday sought ONLY to Glorify God.  Today’s church robs the poor of her substance, while yesterday’s church supplied the poor by the Grace of God, her needs.  Today’s church has become a “money making” business, while yesterday’s church sold their businesses and distributed money to the poor.  Today’s church preach what man desires to hear, while yesterday’s church preached what God had commanded them to speak!  Today’s church say they “love” the Lord Jesus, while yesterday’s church truly demonstrated their love.  Today’s church have difficulty surrendering ALL to Christ, while yesterday’s church gave EVERYTHING to Him.  Which of the two heart is right before the Lord?  I believe the Lord would say to many in the church today as He did to the rich young ruler: “ONE thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross and follow me.” (Mark 10:21)  And just as the rich young ruler went away sorrowful, not willing to surrender even a portion of his wealth, so the same would be for many in the church today.  For herts are more after the things of this world, than after te GIVER of all good things, Christ Jesus our Lord.   Today’s church is in NEED of Repentance, while yesterday’s church from the heart did just that!

Yet, I tell you the time is coming and now is that the TRUE Church of “today”, will arise and become as “The Church of Yesterday” and the same “prosperity” that fell upon them, shall come upon the “True” church of today!  Signs and wonders shall follow!

I love you all so very much. Have a blessed week in the Lord and remember: Whatever we do, do ALL for the GLORY of GOD, who ALONE is worthy of the GLORY and the PRAISE!

The Lord be with you this day and always!  Shalom Uvracha (Peace and Blessings)…….. 

Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh,
Adonai Elohim Tzeva-ot
Asher Hayah Va-ho-veh VaY’vo

Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come!

May the peace of the Lord be with you today and always……

Khandielese
Daughter & Servant
   of the Lord God