These days it seems like everyone wants to see "results." I even worked for a company once that advertised itself as being "Results Oriented." "So what does that have to do with me and my church?" you may ask. The answer lies in a story that I read a while back that I hope you will find interesting, maybe even inspirational.

It seems that there was once a small church that enjoyed success and people looked up to it as a role model for a very long time.

There were two points that the church adhered to without compromise. (That sounds a bit "intolerant," doesn't it?) First, they firmly and faithfully remained true to (stuck like glue to) the teaching of their basic, foundational beliefs. Second, they stuck together based on their shared church (dare we say, "religious") activities.

The results of their actions are listed below:

1. Everyone was amazed and filled with awe at what was happening in their little group.
2. Works of power that pointed to divine truths occurred many times.
3. They were able to work together in their beliefs and activities.
4. They took care of each other as people fell on hard times.
5. They met together every day.
6. They had joyful meetings in each other's homes.
7. They praised God.
8. Everyone around them thought highly of them.
9. They became larger every day.

This sounds pretty good, doesn't it? Could we do the same? Why not?

Oh, it would probably be best if you knew what the "shared church activities" were before you get too motivated to follow their example. There may be some who do not approve of the short list. First, they broke bread together. Second, they prayed together. That is it. It seems pretty simple. Add the two points mentioned above, and we see what they did: In a group (all together), they learned about the basic truths, took communion, shared meals, and prayed. The results were amazing, even awesome. Would you like to read the story? If so, go to the book of Acts and turn to the second chapter and read verses 42 through 47. There you will see this amazing story of the connection between beliefs, actions, and results