Back to Acts

 A movement sprang up in America in the early 1800s to beckon people to leave religious division, repent and return to the spirit of the apostolic age. It was a unity movement and a revival movement in Christendom. This Restoration movement led to revival for many people and the planting of many new churches, founded on the principle of returning to the power of God that was present in the Acts church. Many of these churches still exist today. At Cornerstone for example, we can trace our history back to pioneers of this movement and even further back to the apostolic tradition set forth by Jesus’ messengers. 

But Restoration is a process, and not a destination. The standard of the church in Acts is very high, but not because they were trying to be the Acts church. The standard for the Acts church is high because they were trying to be like Jesus. Can we say with the martyrs of the Acts of the Apostles that we are devoted—that we would die for Jesus’ mission to change the world? 

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 2.42-47)

Are we devoted the way that they were? If we are, why aren’t we seeing people saved day by day?

There are some things we need to seriously move in faith on and commit ourselves to if we want to see new layers of restoration and revival;

Are we committed to a personal walk with God? Do we talk with him in prayer? Do we hear him as we dive into his word? Are we trusting his guidance and providence? Are we devoted to prayer and to the apostle’s teaching?
Are we willing to devote ourselves to the life of a local church? This doesn’t mean attendance. We are called to life-on-life relationships with other disciples of Jesus. Are we devoted to fellowship and bread-breaking?
Are we sold out about Jesus’ mission for our lives? Are we actively and intentionally trying to reach our neighbors for King Jesus? Do we want to see people added to the number of the saved? Who will we invite into the journey with Jesus with us?

A new layer of restoration could be just around the corner.

- Cain Atkinson