1st Century Church Model
Yesterday's reading of Acts 1 combined with today's reading of Acts 2 makes it hard for this preacher to just make a few comments. I would love to comment on all 73 verses combined! But I have to remember, this is just a 350-400 word reflection on just one portion of each day's reading. Perhaps 2:42-47 will best sum it all up for us. The 21st century church would do well to study and imitate the 1st century church. For you see, it was a...
1. It Was A Saved Church v.41b-42a
Only saved folks became members of the first century church, and they "continued steadfastly..." They showed the sincerity of their decision by continuing to come to Bible study, to learn, fellowship and grow. To say that the church should be made up of saved individuals seems like the given. But unfortunately, not all people on our church rolls are saved.
2. It Was A Bible Based Church v.42b
First, Peter got up and preached a Bible based sermon, right from the Old Testament. Then v.42 comes to tell us that they were committed to the apostle's doctrine/teaching. Of course that (the apostle's doctrine) is what became the New Testament. The first century church was a Bible believing, Bible reading, Bible teaching, Bible preaching church. And if we're going to be the church that God called us to be, we must be no less.
3. It Was A Fellowshipping Church v.42c
The Greek word for 'fellowship' is 'koinonia', which means much more than just fellowship over a meal. It means to participate in, be in partnership with. For a Christian to fail to participate in the life of the local church is inexcusable. There are no lone ranger Christians.
4. It Was A Christ Centered Church v.42d
The breaking of bread = communion. Communion is a time to focus on the Cross.
5. It Was A Praying Church v.42e
We've got folks today who'll march around a school holding up a banner reading "Put Prayer Back In School", but they won't show up for prayer meeting on Wednesday night! God help us!
6. It Was An Awe Inspiring Church v.43
Why? Because it was Spirit Filled. Go back and read the whole chapter again.
7. It Was A Sharing Church v.44-46a
8. It Was A United Church v.46 "one accord"
9. It Was A Worshiping Church v.46b-47a
Praising God produced joy. And because of all these marks above, it was an....
10. It Was An Attractive Church v.47 'having favor with all people'
Unfortunately, today people are turned off by the church. Who's fault is that?
11. It Was A Growing Church v.47b
People were being added to the church daily, because every member realized that they were missionaries. Every member was a witness.
12. Therefore, It Was A Church Much Different Than Many Churches Today
Vance Havner summed it up best: "Christians today are so sub-normal, that if we ever went back to 1st century normal, people would think we're abnormal." God help us to become abnormal in the eyes of a lost world and a lazy church!
(OK, I probably ran a little long today...but I tried...)
1. It Was A Saved Church v.41b-42a
Only saved folks became members of the first century church, and they "continued steadfastly..." They showed the sincerity of their decision by continuing to come to Bible study, to learn, fellowship and grow. To say that the church should be made up of saved individuals seems like the given. But unfortunately, not all people on our church rolls are saved.
2. It Was A Bible Based Church v.42b
First, Peter got up and preached a Bible based sermon, right from the Old Testament. Then v.42 comes to tell us that they were committed to the apostle's doctrine/teaching. Of course that (the apostle's doctrine) is what became the New Testament. The first century church was a Bible believing, Bible reading, Bible teaching, Bible preaching church. And if we're going to be the church that God called us to be, we must be no less.
3. It Was A Fellowshipping Church v.42c
The Greek word for 'fellowship' is 'koinonia', which means much more than just fellowship over a meal. It means to participate in, be in partnership with. For a Christian to fail to participate in the life of the local church is inexcusable. There are no lone ranger Christians.
4. It Was A Christ Centered Church v.42d
The breaking of bread = communion. Communion is a time to focus on the Cross.
5. It Was A Praying Church v.42e
We've got folks today who'll march around a school holding up a banner reading "Put Prayer Back In School", but they won't show up for prayer meeting on Wednesday night! God help us!
6. It Was An Awe Inspiring Church v.43
Why? Because it was Spirit Filled. Go back and read the whole chapter again.
7. It Was A Sharing Church v.44-46a
8. It Was A United Church v.46 "one accord"
9. It Was A Worshiping Church v.46b-47a
Praising God produced joy. And because of all these marks above, it was an....
10. It Was An Attractive Church v.47 'having favor with all people'
Unfortunately, today people are turned off by the church. Who's fault is that?
11. It Was A Growing Church v.47b
People were being added to the church daily, because every member realized that they were missionaries. Every member was a witness.
12. Therefore, It Was A Church Much Different Than Many Churches Today
Vance Havner summed it up best: "Christians today are so sub-normal, that if we ever went back to 1st century normal, people would think we're abnormal." God help us to become abnormal in the eyes of a lost world and a lazy church!
(OK, I probably ran a little long today...but I tried...)
posted by Royce Hendry at
6:04 AM
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