Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Apostleship of Church
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Vs 42)
God’s original design for the church is found in the book Acts. If there was ever a church growth plan that worked, it was the one used by the first-century church. As I look at the First centaury church and I look at our church, I can’t help but notice that we have a long way to go. Every time I read this passage I see not only what we are not, but what we will soon be. Acts 2:42-47 shows us four foundational qualities. They were a Worshipping Church, an Evangelizing Church, a Learning Church and a Loving Church. The first church was W.E.L.L; I believe that this is God’s Word to us and it is time to get W.E.L.L.
A Worshipping Church
The early church was built on prayer and worship. "The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:21-24) Worshipping in “spirit and in truth” means worshipping with the mind and heart. Worship is going to be more effective when it is based on an accurate understanding of who God is.
An Evangelistic Church
Evangelism happened regularly as the early believers lived their lives .When I am glorifying God, when I am built up us a believer ,I want to then go and share my faith. An evangelistic church is a place where the gospel is shared.
A Learning Church
An Evangelistic Church
Evangelism happened regularly as the early believers lived their lives .When I am glorifying God, when I am built up us a believer ,I want to then go and share my faith. An evangelistic church is a place where the gospel is shared.
A Learning Church
"They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship.” This is essential to a healthy church, a commitment to preaching and learning God’s Word. A learning church is a church where is discipleship is taking place. There is a hunger for the word of God. If we are going to get W.E.L.L then we must become a Learning Church
A Loving Church:
When we are talking about being a loving church we are talking about people that are connected to one another in close fellowship and people who serve one another in true ministry. Jesus said in Matthew 19 “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Our love one for another is one of our greatest witnesses to the world. A Loving church is a place where there is true fellowship and ministry.
The bottom line is this, we are not healthy. We need to get W.E.L.L.!! It is imperative to our survival as a church. We need a spiritual revival and we need to be healthy.
Prayer: Loving Father enables us to worship you in spirit and truth. Amen
Thought for the Day: Growth of the church only comes through Christ intervention.
Mariamma Abraham, Epiphany MTC, NY