AND THE LORD ADDED TO THEIR NUMBER
Posted: March 18, 2009
What is your definition of “church?” Before you read any further take just a minute or two and think about how you would define church.
The word “church” is derived from the Greek word ekklesia and is used 114 times in the New Testament. In every case this term describes the people of God when they met together in Christian community. The New Testament concept of church (ekklesia) is not a reference in any way to buildings or organizations but rather to the called-out assembly or the covenant people of God. The church was the people wherever they were meeting. In Acts 2:42-47 (NASB) we are given a description of the early church meetings.
“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 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, 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.”
Based on the passage of Scripture from Acts here are some of the concepts used to describe the lifestyle of the church in Acts:
- The devoted themselves too “the teaching of the Apostles.” We have the Scriptures.
- They devoted themselves to “fellowship.” The New Testament church was a faith community where people gathered together and shared their lives with one another. They were “breaking bread from house to house.”
- They were of “one mind.” They had a common goal and vision.
- They were “praising God.” They worshiped together.
- They were breaking bread (probably the Lord’s Supper) and praying for one another.
The end result of this vibrant faith community is found in verse 47: “And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
The early Christians made a huge impact on their world. There was a transformation taking place in their character as the Holy Spirit worked in them that attracted people. Qualitative change in character opened the door for people to receive the gospel message, and, in so doing, people found healing and a deep sense of community which gave them purpose. The Church corporately also made a great impact on the world because no where else could you find slaves and masters, Jews and Gentiles, nor rich and poor engaging in fellowship around the table and showing a real love for one another. It was this love that overflowed out of them that greatly influenced people. Sadly, in our modern society, it’s hard to distinguish the lifestyle of the Christian from any other group – even those who profess no belief in God.
We are living in a time in history when the Church can really make an impact by sharing the gospel with people. Our world is in desperate need of a relationship with God that can only be found through a relationship with Jesus Christ. God loves us unconditionally and with no strings attached. It’s up to us to recapture that sense of God’s love so much so that it overflows out of us and into the world around us.
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Amen. The early church had a “missional hermeneutic” — their response to Jesus was part of their interpretation of who Jesus was. Following Jesus was not just something they did when they could work it in. Followers of Jesus is who they became in response to the transforming power of what Jesus Christ did on the cross.
We too have a missional hermeneutic. What does my response to Jesus say about who I believe Jesus was? Am I responding in a way worthy of the Son of God? Have I surrendered my life to Him in response to the way He surrendered His earthly life for me? What am I holding on to that I need to let go of in order to truly be a follower of Jesus Christ?
Praise God!
Chris Dunagan
Comment by Chris Dunagan — March 19, 2009 #