April Newsletter
“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.” - Acts 1:8b
The book of Acts is a powerful and beneficial resource for the church of today. What should the church look like? The account of Acts is an amazing record of what the early church did from the very start. They serve as an example to us for what the church should focus on and how a church should operate. While their example is from long ago, in a completely different world, we still can learn from their foundational principles.
“He presented Himself alive” - Acts 1:3
The reason for their assembly is that Jesus is alive. If Jesus didn’t resurrect there was no reason for coming together. This calls us to keep Jesus as the foundation for “WHY” we should come together as a church in the 21st century. Because he lives! This might be overly simplistic, but His resurrection is the foundational assumption to all of the claims of the church.
“You will be my witnesses” - Acts 1:8
The early church came together with a purpose:
To bear witness that Jesus is alive. That was their call. They are an amazing example of witnessing for Jesus despite tremendous opposition and difficulty! Luckily, they had the help of the Holy Spirit who shouldn’t be overlooked. In fact, they had to wait for His help before being moved into action. Being Jesus’ witnesses is an amazing mindset. If the community looked for Jesus in your church, would they find Him? Aim up! When the world looks for Jesus, they find the church, they find us powerfully changed by the Holy Spirit.
“They were all together in one place” - Acts 2:1
Before the outbreak of persecution, they gathered openly in both the Jewish temples and homes. The early Christians met where they were used to: Jewish temples and in their own homes. Places for a corporate gathering and locations for personal connection. After persecution, they still gathered together. Do you know the names of those who sit next to you? Across from you? Have you sat down for lunch and shared a meal together? That might be a great place to start.
“They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” - Acts 2:42
Four foundational principles for the church today: Apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. The Apostles hold a unique position. They knew Jesus personally, heard His teachings and watched His example. From their exposure to Jesus these are the foundational principles they stood by. Meeting together, communion and prayer. Let’s use their teaching and example to guide the church of today’s world.
Scott Carpenter