The concept of glorifying God is central to the Christian faith, and the early congregation at Jerusalem serves as a profound example of this practice. The Jerusalem church, as depicted in the New Testament, was the first Christian community established after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. This congregation is often highlighted for its devotion, unity, and commitment to glorifying God through worship, teaching, fellowship, and service.

Biblical Foundation

The congregation at Jerusalem was formed following the events of Pentecost, as recorded in the Book of Acts. Acts 2:42-47 provides a vivid description of the early church's life: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need. With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

Worship and Praise

The Jerusalem church was characterized by its dedication to worship and praise, which are essential aspects of glorifying God. The believers gathered regularly in the temple courts, a practice that underscored their commitment to communal worship. Their praise was not limited to formal gatherings; it permeated their daily lives, as they shared meals and fellowship with "gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God" (Acts 2:46-47). This lifestyle of worship was a testament to their recognition of God's sovereignty and grace.

Teaching and Doctrine

The apostles' teaching was central to the life of the Jerusalem congregation. The believers devoted themselves to the apostles' doctrine, which was rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Hebrew Scriptures. This commitment to sound doctrine was a means of glorifying God, as it ensured that the community's beliefs and practices were aligned with divine truth. The teaching of the apostles also equipped the believers to live lives that reflected God's holiness and righteousness.

Fellowship and Unity

The unity and fellowship of the Jerusalem church were remarkable. Acts 4:32 states, "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned." This profound sense of community and mutual care was a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. By living in harmony and sharing their resources, the believers demonstrated the love of Christ and brought glory to God.

Service and Generosity

The early church in Jerusalem was also known for its acts of service and generosity. The believers sold their possessions and goods to support those in need, reflecting the selfless love of Christ. This radical generosity was a practical expression of their faith and a means of glorifying God. Acts 4:34-35 notes, "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need."

Perseverance and Witness

Despite facing persecution, the Jerusalem congregation remained steadfast in their faith and continued to glorify God through their witness. Acts 5:41-42 recounts how the apostles rejoiced after being persecuted, "rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." Their perseverance in the face of adversity served as a powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel and the glory of God.

The congregation at Jerusalem exemplifies the essence of glorifying God through worship, teaching, fellowship, service, and witness. Their devotion to these practices not only strengthened their community but also served as a beacon of God's love and power to the world.Acts 11:8
But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean has at any time entered into my mouth.
Nave's Topical Index

First Forgiveness, Then Healing
... town of Galilee, and Judea, and Jerusalem: and the ... of the law, but he healed many
of the congregation. ... he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/first forgiveness then healing.htm

The Master's Profession --The Disciple's Pursuit
... than could have been gathered in Jerusalem; yet the ... Christ did not want a great
congregation to enable ... on winning souls, that is set on glorifying God, that is ...
/.../the masters professionthe disciples pursuit.htm

Acts XX
... God, by means of many thanksgivings (they glorifying God, through the ... together with
me in prayer to God for me ... which he bore toward the congregation there, and ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xx.htm

More and More
... and most exhilarating joy is the delight of glorifying God, and so ... I notice it even
in the public congregation. ... ye do, do all to the glory of God." We should ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/more and more.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Salvation
... The meeting is over; the congregation disperses; ninety ... Spirit from Heaven establishes
God's righteousness, Christ's ... the Father righteous in glorifying Him; and ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter four the sovereignty of.htm

Concerning the Unity of God . On the Article, I Believe in one God ...
... that I shall fall short of glorifying Him worthily ... 348-357, observing that the Clergy
and the Congregation were divided ... 4: "But since God is all mind, all reason ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture vi concerning the unity.htm

The Life, as Amplified by Mediaeval Biographers.
... Before the eyes of the astonished congregation, he produced ... and walk," he was cured
instantly; and departed, glorifying God. ... hear that they who fear God are to ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/iii the life as amplified by.htm

O Thou that Bringest Good Tidings
... for it converted the whole congregation, and it ... complete, the ultimate revelation
of the unseen God.'. ... of humiliation is the height of glorifying; that Christ's ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/o thou that bringest good.htm

In Judaea
... We can readily believe that Lydda had its congregation of "saints ... Luke 2:20 we read
that "the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God," the meaning ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... unto God, the establishment of the congregation of the ... be made the scene of events
glorifying to God. ... blessing, were taken into covenant with God:"these were ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

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