Early Church History
I love reading about the early church in the New Testament! It was an amazing time of the Holy Spirit at work to glorify God and call the unsaved to repentence. There were the "big" names of the early church: Peter, John, Paul and the Apostles (almost sounds like a British invasion band, doesn't it?). Make no mistake, God was the One doing the work and using the tools of these human vessels to work out His plan, His purpose and His message.
When you read on in Acts 2 you see thousands making decisions to follow Jesus Christ:
Acts 2:41-47 (41) So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.(42) They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.(43) Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. (44) And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; (45) and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. (46) Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, (47) praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
These verses almost sound like a utopian society, don't they? I've often wondered what the early church would look like in our world today. Recenlty, I got a chance to see. For about a week 31 of us traveled from wealthy America to not so wealthy Guatemala. However, as I reflect over the days there and being home now...I think we are the poor and they the wealthy. Yes, we have tangible wealth...but they have hold of an eternal hope in Christ. I know I've forgotten so many times about the "big" picture, namely, eternity. What is the span of 65-85 years in comparision with FOREVER?As I reflect on the fellowship, work and unity of heart we shared with the Guatemalans...the one thing we all had in common was our love for Jesus and a desire to share the Gospel (using words if necessary!). As we saw needs, without exception, all of us wanted to help. Before we left several trashbags were filled with our clothes, toiletry items, etc., to leave behind as a "help" to our brothers and sisters in Christ at Ciudad de Refugio (I love that name - City of Refuge).
What does this small struggling church in Guatemala have that we don't have here in the States? My first response would be they lack "me-ism." They are living out their love for Jesus by serving each other....putting others' needs ahead of their own. They are living out their love for God by loving one another.
When did we lose that?
Don't tell me it is a cultural thing. Don't tell me it is an early church New Testament only thing. It's a "me" thing. If I trust God and believe Him at His Word, my cultural is all about Christ now, right? Isn't that what we're told in Colossians?
Colossians 3:1-3 (1) Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2) Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. (3) For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Pastor Jorge's daughter, Victoria and soon to be husband, Santos, plan to visit us in October. I am excited for them to come and yet, ashamed, at the same time. Why? Because we are rich in worldy things and poor in spiritual things. Our culture isn't about serving one another and spreading the Gospel.
I want to make Guatemala happen here in our churches...homes...and relationships. Just like the early church in Acts 2.
Don't you? What do you think that would look like in our church right now? I can only imagine!
PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals |
| Posted: 27 Jul 2009 03:02 PM PDT  "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2:38-39)For the next few days, we're going to drop in on the first days of the church. The word "church" has a lot of different meanings to people. What we mean this week is a group made up of all Christians everywhere -- and also the members of that group that come together to "do church" in a certain town or neighborhood. Today's passage is the invitation from Peter at the end of his sermon just after the Holy Spirit had come to fill up all the believers in Jesus. This is after Jesus' resurrection and after He had gone back up into heaven. The arrival of the Spirit drew a huge crowd because it was loud and it involved supernatural sights ("fire tongues" above people's heads) and sounds (people speaking fluently in languages they didn't know so all could understand). Peter's testimony was that this display of spiritual power was evidence that Jesus -- the one that had just been crucified and resurrected -- is "both Christ and Lord." Convicted, the people wanted to know what they could do. Today's verse was Peter's answer -- and 2,000 years later we still offer Jesus as the answer to all who want to know what to do to be forgiven for their sins and receive the gift of Holy Spirit themselves. Think: How would you put into your own words the basic message we, the church, hold out to everyone who does not yet know Jesus as "Christ and Lord"? Pray: If you're a Christian, thank God for forgiving your sins through your faith in Jesus and for giving you the gift of the Holy Spirit. Do: Read Acts 2 to catch the entire story of this amazing day known as Pentecost. Visit PlanetWisdom.com for more great resources!  |
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