Pulling together |
I took notes as Pastor Jerry
ministered from Acts 2:42-47.
He likened
the church to a ship, perhaps the “Old Ship Zion.” The benches or pews represented the old
fashioned rowers and everyone working together.
The wind of the Holy Spirit catches the sails to complete the
mission. The chart for direction would
be the Scriptures.
Acts 2:46-47 So continuing
daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house,
they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all
the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were
being saved.
The early church did not have
a building, because they secretly met in homes, in the catacombs or at the
Jewish Synagogue. Yet the church grew by
leaps and bounds.
After Peter’s sermon,
three thousand were added to the “Church.”
The crowds were from different social groups gathered around a common
table. They listened to Peter and opened their hearts to receive the Holy Spirit and went out ministering with the anointing.
What was their form of
meeting? The scripture indicates they
met to learn more about Jesus, to share and search the scriptures, for
fellowship and breaking bread together.
Why
did they grow? The only explanation is
Easter. They allowed the light of Easter to continue to shine. The reality of the Resurrection was foremost. Jesus was alive and He had promised to
return.
The Early church expected
Jesus to return very soon, so it was not important to build structures for
worship. It was not until The Emperor
Constantine ruled that the Christians were allowed to build churches.
Many growing churches today
do not own a building. They meet in
schools, theatres and rented spaces.
There is a church in Las Vegas that meets twice a week in 15 homes and they use
their offerings for Mission work.
Would you like to be a part
of a church like the early church? The
truth is you already are. We are in a church like that already. Think about it.
Church is for the imperfect ones and we draw
closer to our Lord and to each other. We
gather to study, learn, worship, pray, laugh and cry, care for one another and
enjoy the fellowship.
May God add to the church
those who are being saved.
Turn your focus to Jesus! He is full of possibilities ! |
3 comments:
Dear Hazel, What a fitting metaphor! May we all row together on our Christian journey, and may God add to the church daily. Hope you had a blessed Mother's Day!
God bless,
Laurie
I'm with you, Hazel. We are the church. Sharing our lives "and they will know you by the love you have for one another." That's church, sister! Well said.
Your post reminds me of all the comments on my post this week- comments about the ACTS church, about being a church like that, one you would risk your life to attend.
God is alive and He is working.
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