It feels like we have reached the point in society where we are known more for what we stand against instead of what we stand for. Especially when it comes to social media, it seems to have a way of polarizing us. In many cases, it feels like it brings out the worst in us.

This was not always the case with followers of Jesus Christ. In fact, they were made famous by what and who they stood for.

Act 4:13 KJV Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

I know that most of us desire for life to return to some semblance of normal. We all are growing weary of this pandemic, but what exactly is the normal we want to see return? What is it that we desire the most? It’s a sad reflection on our hunger for God when Christians voice their desire for “normal” but are usually referring to the normal routines of being able to eat inside a restaurant or go through a checkout line without a mask. Have we lost our desire for a close relationship with God? Are we more concerned with convenience instead of conviction?

When I read the book of Acts, I find myself feeling as though I come up short in my devotion and dedication to a relationship with God. They faced cultural division, religious hypocrisy, prejudice, and outright persecution from their government, but they also experienced the supernatural working of the Holy Ghost! I desire for that kind of normal to return to the church.

So, what was normal for the first century Apostolic Church? In my study, I discovered the norms of the first century Apostolic Church were prayer, praise, and proclamation. This was the normal in which they lived, and I believe these same things are what we should be known for also.

These three activities, prayer, praise, and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, aren’t reserved for certain people or only practiced by the spiritually mature. They make up baseline discipleship, and they are the normal of Christian life.

Let’s not give up on the essential aspects of our faith. Let’s not allow current events to disrupt the basics of our love and loyalty to Jesus and His church. Let’s get back to being known for what we stand for.