“And Elijah came to all the people, and said, ‘How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ But the people answered him not a word.”

1 Kings 18:21

The line between Biblical Christianity and modern, Americanized Christianity is becoming more and more difficult to see. Biblical Christianity is that which is clearly described in Scripture. A clear representation of Biblical Christianity is seen in the following quote from the Book of Acts:

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

Acts 2:42

These early believers were obviously committed to the Lord, and it showed in their activities, actions, and attitudes. There are several different aspects of their commitment that are clearly observed in this verse. Take note of the words ‘continued steadfastly’. Continued would denote the fact that they were consistent in their new relationship with the Lord Jesus. They were not up and down, and in and out, but continued in their new life in Christ. Their actions clearly displayed their commitment to the Lord.

Then, note the word ‘steadfastly’. Their commitment was a steady, settled fact. Those who would meet them would instantly detect their commitment to the Lord by their consistency of dedication to the Lord. They continued steadfastly. But exactly what did they continue in? Luke records four different actions that give answer to that question.d

First, we are told that they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine. This is the foundational building block upon which all others are built. And this is one that is sorely needed in our climate of Americanized Christianity. This means that they learned solid Biblical doctrine from the apostles, and they put the practical application of those doctrines into practice. These early believers were true Biblicists in every sense of the word. They remained committed to obeying the Word of God, even when that obedience cost them dearly. Some even paid the ultimate price of martyrdom because of their unwavering commitment to the doctrines handed down by the apostles.

So many of the hot topic social concerns facing the church today are addressed clearly in Scripture. To be Biblical Christians means that we are to continue in the teachings of the Word of God, even when to do so means we must stand against the tide of cultural Christianity. Culture should never be allowed to determine right and wrong. We are to turn to the doctrines found in the Bible as we seek guidance in how to remain steadfast in the teachings of the Bible.

Second, Luke tells us that they continued steadfastly in fellowship. Fellowship with other believers is crucially needed if we are to remain strong in our walk with the Lord. We learn from one another, and draw strength from one another. We are comforted in times of distress by the consolation of others, and we are able to minister to others out of our own personal experiences. It is in fellowship that we learn are taught the apostles’ doctrine, and then are encouraged to remain steadfast in those doctrines. Fellowship with other believers is a vital aspect of the discipleship process.

Third, Luke adds that they continued steadfastly in the breaking of bread. This probably is best understood in a two-fold manner. The breaking of bread could be a reference that follows up on the matter of fellowship. It could be that the early believers shared meals together as they came together for mutual encouragement, instruction, admonition, and correction from the apostles’ doctrine. This could also be a reference to the breaking of bread in the observance of Communion. As believers gather around the table of the Lord to memorialize His body and blood which was given for us, we are encouraged to examine ourselves to make sure we are not living in an unworthy manner.

And finally Luke says that they continued steadfastly in prayers. In the early days of the church the believers were faced with what appeared to be insurmountable odds. Throngs of believers were imprisoned, beaten, scourged, and executed. But they continued steadfastly in their commitment to live for the glory of the Lord.

We face a choice today just as they did in the early days of the church. We can embrace a watered down version of Christianity – what I have referred to Americanized Christianity – or we can embrace Biblical Christianity. Americanized Christianity will not cost much, if anything, to embrace. Biblical Christianity on the other hand could prove to be extremely costly.

To stand for the solid doctrinal instruction found in Scripture means that we open ourselves up for ridicule, harassment, open aggression from those who oppose Biblical truth. This type of commitment that calls for remaining steadfastly in the teachings of Scripture is demanded from every person who identifies himself with the God of the Bible. And it demands that we do so without giving consideration to what others might do. I will close with another quote from Scripture. It is found in the last chapter of Joshua.

“And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:15

The question is the same today: whom will you serve? Choose today to serve the Lord. Don’t waver between two opinions. Make the choice, and stay the course.