The early church as it developed ended up having the same problems so many of our churches have today. People are people. The problems may look different but the root of the problem is still the same.
If every single one of us would take the above verses to heart and act on them, what could happen? Something incredible I think.
When a church is going strong, is seeing God work, is seeing miracles, is seeing people's lives changed and people committed to the Lord, I would say the above verse is being acted out by the membership.
Same goes for any organization you are part of -- work, clubs, school. If we each would look out for other people's interests, and not just our own, we'd get a lot more done.
We can't change others, but we can change ourselves. Make it a point today to act on this verse.
Joel 2:11c says, "For strong is he who carries out His word."
I read that I think -- when we act on God's word we are being strong. We are bringing life into the situation. We are letting the Spirit reign. Even if we see no results God's word accomplishes what God intends it to accomplish. God's word NEVER fails.
Isaiah 55:11 says, "So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."
What a promise! Wow!