On National Day of Prayer

May 7, 2020

What the church is supposed to be like,

The church was birthed in an enormous act of spiritual power by God when He sent the Holy Spirit a short 10 days after Christ ascended. The Holy Spirit empowered church radically changed the world without any social media, without any political influence, and without religious duties. Within a few short years the entire known world was being overtaken by the Gospel of Jesus and the followers were growing exponentially despite being viscously murdered because they held deeply that King Jesus was Lord of all Creation.

Look at what the early church did and how they lived!

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. ⁴³ Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. ⁴⁴ Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, ⁴⁵ and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. ⁴⁶ 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, ⁴⁷ praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42–47 (NKJV)

The early church…..

1. They valued learning the Bible together & learning the way of Jesus.
2. Fellowshipping together and eating meals together, valuing authentic community.
3. Sought God to intervene by praying fervently together!
4. Lived generously by serving others in need by caring and sharing.
5. They worshipped together and celebrated the God of their salvation, living in gratitude and gladness and praising God.
6. They saw themselves as the body of Christ and had a loving spirit of unity.
7. People in the community saw the church as a blessing and not as a drain on the society.
8. Loved… The early church loved people, especially those who believed differently than them and had different social, political, and moral values.
9. Honored…. They honored the government and leaders even when they had no political power or influence in it. The government of that day murdered followers of Jesus because they believed Jesus was Lord over all of creation. The church never saw itself as a political action organization.
10. Prayed…. They saw their living connecting with God through Holy Spirit prayer as more powerful than any political power they could achieve.
11. Trusted in God to Provide… They didn’t love money, wealth, possessions, but saw themselves as stewards/managers of what God had entrusted to them and saw Him as their provider and protector.
12. God was moving mightily in the church and the community bringing others to a personal relationship with Him.

The result of their Christ-like faith, hope, and love?

• People’s lives were overwhelmingly being changed by the power of the Gospel of Jesus.

Maybe the reason we are not seeing the vibrant life-changing power of God like the early church did is because we have a different idea of church than King Jesus.

“Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 1:3 (NKJV)

Father, forgive us where we have not been the church You would have us be. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that we may be Your people in a dark world that is rejecting You and Your power. Help us to return to you and following your ways. Thank you, for we anticipate you returning to us again in power. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In Christ Alone

Pastor Bill Stevens