The
church is the body of Christ with Jesus as its head (Eph 1:22-23). The Holy
Spirit baptized each one of us into the body of Christ or church (1 Cor 12:13).
The church (Greek ecclesia) refers to the Christian church universal and the
local church. As it is the Holy Spirit that places us into the church we should
very prayerfully seek his guidance as to our local church home. We don't make
such a decision based on convenience or feelings but purely on God's guidance.
In
the book of Acts the normal church is described; a church focused on the
apostles' teaching (for us the Bible), prayer, fellowship, care and unity (Acts
2:42-47). In such a church the power of the Holy Spirit was manifest in signs,
wonders and miracles and thousands of people were discipled into the church
(Acts 5:14-16).
Paul
exhorted us to be in church (Heb 10:25). The Bible tells us we are all needed
for the local church to function effectively (1 Cor 12:12-19); this includes
you. We all need the church so we can be equipped for ministry and mature as
Christians (Eph 4:11-13).
Take
Your Place, you are Needed.
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In
Acts chapter 2 and verses 42-47 we are given some vital characteristics of the
early church, it was on the move, vital and growing. A major focus of early
church life was an ongoing, constant devotion to the teaching of the leaders.
There was no bible back then, only oral tradition and teaching. In our day and age,
we have leaders who teach us and we have the bible. How much more we should
make our bible the focus of our lives.
Fellowship
was important to the early church. The Greek word here is koinonia; a fellowship
centered on Jesus and with other Christians and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
This should be a beautiful loving relationship of mutual submission and
support. For early Christians this fellowship included eating together,
particularly around the table of the Lord in Communion. Prayer was a pillar for
early Christians and should under gird our lives today.
In
the early church, there was a great unity and sharing of resources so that no
one was in need. An awesome, reverential fear of God came on everyone and the
church was a church of praise.
All
of the above produced a church of power, signs wonders and miracles, with
thousands being added daily. I see nothing complicated in the early church but
a people walking in simple obedience and the love of God. Look at the results!
When you think about it, our churches now should be no different.
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pass this on. All rights reserved.
A BLOG by Norman and Jean
Rawlings, authors of the book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”. Check
out our web site for information on our book and more encouraging Bible based
blogs. Fill out the: “contact us page” on our website and in the comments
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