THURSDAY MANNA 16 JULY ‘26

Dr. Daniel O. C. | Jul 16, 2026

“THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM”

Saints of God Most High, hear God’s word for you today:

“Unless Adonai builds the house, its builders work in vain. Unless Adonai guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. In vain do you get up early and put off going to bed, working hard to earn a living; for he provides for his beloved, even when they sleep” (Psalm 127:1-2).

If God’s grace doesn’t help the builders, they will labour in vain to build a house. If God’s mercy doesn’t protect the city, all the sentries will circle it in vain. It really is senseless to work so hard from early morning till late at night, toiling to make a living for fear of not having enough. God can provide for his devoted lovers even while they sleep!

THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM
If you are a Christian, remember that people will judge your God by you. The Christian life does not get easier but it gets better. Therefore, a church is a hospital for the sinners not a club house for the saints.

The church in Jerusalem began at Pentecost with at least 3,120 members (Acts 2:41, 47).
It was pastored by James, the half-brother of Jesus our Lord (Acts 15:13).

The Characteristics Of The Jerusalem Church
The Jerusalem Church was a church of signs and wonders.
It is a church with power (Acts 2:43 / 5:12-16).

They had all things in common and more so helped each other (Acts 2:44-45 / 4:32-35).
The believers were in unity of faith and in one accord (Acts 2:46).

It was a praying church because they spent good time in prayer (Acts 2:42 / 3:1-10 / 4:24 / 12:5, 12-17).
They preached and witnessed at every opportunity (Acts 3:12-15 / 5:42).

They radiated Jesus (Acts 4:13).
The church was purified by God (Acts 5:1-11 / 8:18-24).
The church grew constantly (Acts 4:4 / 5:14 / 12:24).

They endured persecution (Acts 4:1-3, 14-16, 18-21 / 5:17-20, 21-41 / 7:54-55, 56-60 / 8:1-4 / 12:1-4).
They appointed deacons (Acts 6:1-4, 5-7).
They practiced baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:41, 46).

They sent forth missionaries (Acts 8:5, 14 / 11:22 / 13:1-3 / 15:22, 27).
They discussed about circumcision (Acts 15:28-29).

They had spirit-led believers (Acts 2:1-18 / 4:31 / 13:2-4 / 15:28).
They preached the word of God with authority and power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:16-36 / 3:13-26 / 7:1-53 / 6:4 / 5:42).

They contended for the faith (Acts 15:1-21).

We all are called by the Lord God for signs and wonders in this generation for God’s glory in Jesus’ mighty name , Amen!

Somebody shout, “SO HELP ME GOD!”

Shalom and good morning.

Dr. Daniel O. C.