Reach and Teach

So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
Acts 2:41-46

being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:3

I have to admit that I've struggled with this blog for some time.  Studying the Bible is straight forward enough, but trying to express the study can be intimidating.  After reflection and prayer, I've decided that I'll just start typing and see what the Holy Spirit says.

This blog is the last one for the acrostic F.L.O.C.K.  where "Kindred Spirit" represents "K."  The dictionary defines "Kindred Spirit" as "an individual with the same beliefs, attitudes or feelings as oneself."  A kindred spirit is someone who feels and thinks the way you do. In both Scripture verses cited above, the word "kindred" does not appear in the translation.  Why would we use these verses to express "Kindred Spirit?"

In most Bibles along with the chapters and verses, they may provide headings for certain paragraphs.  Our Scripture in Acts falls under the headings of "The Believers Form a Community" (NLT), "The Fellowship of Believers" (NIV, ESV), and "Life Among Believers" (ISV).  Our Scripture in Ephesians falls under the headings of "Unity in the Body" (NLT), "Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ" (NIV), "Unity in the Body of Christ" (ESV), and "To Be Mature" (ISV).  These headings speak of community, fellowship, unity and maturity.  Except for maturity, these words are defined similar to Kindred in the respect of joined sharing in same common beliefs, attitudes, interests and feelings.  Let's look for these themes as we examine our text.

Focusing on the latter verses in Acts, we see the believers were "together," "common," "sharing", and having "one mind." Homothumadon is the Greek word used for "one mind."  Delving deeper into the word, it speaks of one accord with the same passion, with the same faith.  In Ephesians, unity in the Greek is henotes which means oneness, unanimity, and harmony.  The believers have agreed on their path, direction, and goals in life.  This is not a compromise between the people.  This oneness is a consensus, group solidarity in sentiment and belief.

Therefore, pray for your church to be unified in its goals for Christ.  That the church will have a "Kindred Spirit." Specifically, that the church focuses on our Savior's last command.


And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Matthew 28:18-20