Acts 2:42-47 describes the vital signs of the church when the Spirit of God is working. I emphasize that is a work of God, not men. This may lead us to ask, "Does this mean we play no part?" and "What is the place for our efforts?"
No where does Luke give the impression that health is the fruit of the right technique. He is distinctly un-modern. This pouring out of the Spirit is not being managed by the apostles. It is being experienced. The fruit is Gospel fruit, possible only in a new birth and the indwelling Spirit. Fruitfulness is not the result of human strategies and planning. It is certainly not the fruit of us deserving it. Fruitfulness is the result of abundant grace. Grace is not God's response to anything in us.
But God uses people. Acts is about the continuing work of Christ by the Spirit through his witnesses. Everywhere Luke notes that God uses human means to accomplish his work. But his work is related to their faith not their performance. Paul asked the Galatians in 3:1-5 if their experience of grace and the work of the Spirit in them was due to their merits and efforts or due to their trusting God? Jesus said, 'according to your faith be it unto you' and we are told 'he could not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.'
Does this mean faith is some kind of power over God? No, faith is looking to God, hoping in God's Son, turning from self-focus. It is the expectation and hope that such life comes from God because of Christ.
Acts is no more about human wisdom and planning than surfing is about the surfer creating the wave. The surfer rides a wave, and so do the apostles ride the wave of the Spirit's coming.
But what do we do if the church is not healthy?
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