3. A way of sharing. An outstanding trait of the early church was their fellowship. Luke tells us that they "sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from hose to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart" (Acts 2:45-46).

4. A way of learning. The Christian life is one of growth. Peter urged us to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). From spiritual babes, we are expected to grow into mature Christians (1 Peter 2:2). Only by a continuing process of study and learning can we develop properly as children of God.

5. A way of teaching. The first duty of the Christian is to teach others. Christ's final instructions before His departure from this earth were to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations ... " (Matt. 28:19). We are living the Christian life only to the extent that we are teaching others about Jesus. If we would be lights, we must shine!

It is not enough for Christians just to have the right interpretation of the Scriptures. We must translate the truths of the Bible into everyday deeds. We must not only tell the world about Christianity, we must give them a demonstration of it. Let us, therefore, determine to become living epistles, "Known and read of all men" (2 Cor. 3 :2), by the practical application of our faith.

by Bobby Dockery