"The Early Disciples" | May 4, 2025 | Ps Joel Lowery

In the early days of Christianity, a remarkable phenomenon swept across the ancient world. Ordinary men and women, empowered by the Holy Spirit, began to turn their world upside down with a message of hope, love, and redemption. These early believers weren't scholars, politicians, or celebrities. They were everyday people who said "yes" to God's call and allowed Him to work through them in extraordinary ways.

This powerful movement, chronicled in the book of Acts, serves as both an inspiration and a challenge for us today. What if we, as modern believers, embraced the same spirit of surrender and boldness that characterized the early church? What if we allowed God to use us, just as we are, to impact our world for His kingdom?

The story of Stephen, one of the first deacons in the early church, provides a compelling example of what this looks like in practice. Stephen wasn't a high-ranking official or a renowned preacher. He was simply a man chosen to help distribute food to widows. Yet, the Bible describes him as "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5). This ordinary man, tasked with an seemingly ordinary job, became a conduit for God's power.

As we examine Stephen's life and the broader narrative of the early church, several key characteristics emerge that we can apply to our own lives:

1. Full of the Spirit and Wisdom

The early disciples were described as being "full of the Spirit and wisdom" (Acts 6:3). This wasn't a qualification they earned after receiving a title or position. Rather, it was the fruit of their relationship with God that qualified them for service. The question for us is: Is there evidence that the God of the universe is inside of us? Does His presence flow through our conversations, our decisions, and our actions?

2. Supernatural Fruit in Everyday Life

Stephen, while managing a food distribution program, also "performed amazing miracles and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8). This reminds us that the supernatural and the practical are not mutually exclusive. God wants to use us in miraculous ways, regardless of our job title or daily responsibilities. Whether you're a business executive, a stay-at-home parent, or a student, God can work through you to touch lives and demonstrate His power.

3. Persecution Ready

The early believers faced intense opposition, yet they didn't allow persecution to deter them from their mission. Stephen himself was falsely accused and ultimately martyred for his faith. However, even in his final moments, he responded with forgiveness and grace, echoing Jesus' words on the cross: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60).

As followers of Christ, we must be prepared for opposition. The question isn't if we'll face challenges, but how we'll respond when they come. Will we retreat into silence and comfort, or will we stand firm in our faith, responding with love even to those who oppose us?

4. Continual Surrender

Perhaps the most crucial characteristic of the early disciples was their willingness to be "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1). They continually surrendered their lives, plans, and comfort to follow God's leading. Stephen's story culminates in the ultimate act of surrender – giving his life for the gospel. While we may not be called to martyrdom, we are all called to die to ourselves daily and live fully for Christ.

This idea of continual surrender is challenging. It's easy to give our lives to God in a moment of spiritual fervor, only to slowly take back control in various areas. We need regular recommitment, choosing again and again to place everything we are and have at God's disposal.

The Power of "All In"

What would happen if we, as modern-day followers of Jesus, decided to go "all in" for God? What if we surrendered not just our Sunday mornings, but our Monday meetings, our family dinners, our career ambitions, and our secret dreams to His purposes?

Going "all in" doesn't necessarily mean becoming a full-time missionary or pastor (though it might for some). For most of us, it means allowing God's Spirit to permeate every aspect of our ordinary lives. It means being open to His prompting to encourage a coworker, to pray for a stranger, or to give generously even when it's inconvenient. It means viewing our skills, our resources, and our relationships as tools for building God's kingdom.

When we live this way, we become like those early disciples – ordinary people through whom God does extraordinary things. We become the kind of people others look at and say, "They have been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).

A Challenge and an Invitation

The story of the early church and believers like Stephen isn't just an interesting historical account. It's an invitation – a challenge to each of us to live empowered, Spirit-filled lives that make a tangible impact on our world.

Are you ready to go "all in" with God? Are you willing to say, "Lord, I'm yours. Use me how you want, where you want, when you want"? This prayer, sincerely offered, has the power to transform not just our individual lives, but our families, our communities, and even our world.

As we consider this call, let's remember that God doesn't need our talent, our education, or our social status. He simply needs our willingness. He specializes in using the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary. Just as He used fishermen, tax collectors, and tentmakers to build His church, He wants to use you and me to continue that work today.

So let's surrender anew. Let's ask for a fresh filling of His Spirit. Let's step out in faith, even when it's uncomfortable or costly. And let's watch in awe as God works through us to turn our world upside down for His glory.