What a Church

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 !