A LEARNING CHURCH (Acts 2:42-47)
The word “Church” has largely lost its meaning and impact. Those who never step into a Church and even those who regularly attend Church have mixed feelings about Church. John Stott points out in his book “The Living Church” the concern of the Evangelical Christians about the Church, “In the recent years there has been an extraordinary production of books about the Church such as “The Church on the other side, The Mcdonaldization of the Church, Changing world, Changing Church, Church Next, The Provocative Church, Liquid Church, The prevailing Church, The purpose Driven Church and so on.” Why so many authors are trying to redefine what Church is or how it should be? Is the Church loosing its influence in the 21st Century? When there are so many Churches in America which one is the right one? Is there one perfect Church? How can the Evangelical Congregational church stay focused on the Biblical mandate of the Church?
There are a lot of Christians with a sincere desire to replicate the biblical model church, who leave the organized, institutional and traditional churches and live in intentional Christian communities. While I appreciate their efforts to form authentic communities I do believe that we don’t have to leave the established Church and form another community in order to live like early Christians, because it is highly difficult to live exactly like the early Church in this fast paced 21st century. The times have changed, however the essence and the intention of the original church hasn’t changed. In the midst of conflicting views on the Church where can we find what the church is? What are the vital signs of a living church? By studying the early church we can glean guiding principles so that we may become the Church Christ intended us to be in today’s world.
Let’s look at the early church in Acts 2:42-47, “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” This passage gives us four vital signs of a living Church.
I. A LEARNING CHURCH
There are a lot of Christians with a sincere desire to replicate the biblical model church, who leave the organized, institutional and traditional churches and live in intentional Christian communities. While I appreciate their efforts to form authentic communities I do believe that we don’t have to leave the established Church and form another community in order to live like early Christians, because it is highly difficult to live exactly like the early Church in this fast paced 21st century. The times have changed, however the essence and the intention of the original church hasn’t changed. In the midst of conflicting views on the Church where can we find what the church is? What are the vital signs of a living church? By studying the early church we can glean guiding principles so that we may become the Church Christ intended us to be in today’s world.
Let’s look at the early church in Acts 2:42-47, “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” This passage gives us four vital signs of a living Church.
I. A LEARNING CHURCH
The early church as is recorded in the book of Acts chapter two was a direct result of a huge evangelistic campaign of Peter and other apostles. Their first gathering itself might have been over 3000 people; they just got saved and were excited about their new found faith. V 42 says that “they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching.” It was not something forced upon them but was a voluntary choice on their part. There was such eagerness to hear and learn from the apostles and their teaching. Today in many churches this desire to learn and grow in the word has disappeared. How devoted are we when it comes to reading and studying God’s word? Can we find time to attend a life group or a bible study group where our faith can be strengthened and our spiritual life is nurtured? Or are we too busy with other things?
The word apostle here in vs. 42 was referring to the twelve disciples that Jesus designated the term apostle (Mk 3:14) later on Paul was also included in the list. Many Christian scholars and theologians rightly believe that the era of the Apostles has come to an end. Though there are certain denominations or people who use titles as “the apostle” none of them carry the same spiritual authority as the early apostles did. Does that mean this verse is irrelevant? NO! Though we do not have the early Apostles with us anymore but their teachings are recorded in the New Testament.
In his book “The Student Faces Life”, Dr. Carl Kopf said that, among other things, the Bible is a textbook in which are recorded the results of the most intensive experiments ever performed in living. Each student is given a textbook. The teacher says, "Study the textbook. Learn the properties of each chemical. Then perform your experiments and record the results in your notebooks." But one freshman gets rebellious. He says, "Who wants to follow the textbook all the time?" He thinks, I wonder what would happen if I mixed some of these chemicals together? So, when he thinks the teacher isn't looking, he begins to mix several chemicals together to see what will happen. Dr. Kopf says it happens! When the experiment comes down from the ceiling, the student doesn't have to write the result in his notebook. The stain on his notebook is the result. So let us read our textbook: The Bible.”[1]
Unlike in this illustration the Bible is not like any other text book in the world; it is divinely inspired word of God. It has life giving and guiding principles for every one who reads and understands and applies it. I wonder how many of us have a habit of reading the Bible daily.
The chief researcher for one major denomination recently estimated that only about 6%-8% of the members of his denomination attend any kind of formal bible study in a given year and that only about half have ever been to a Bible study in their lives.[2] Why is there so much biblical illiteracy? We know the importance of reading the Bible then why so little interest? Why people would rather go to a BBQ than come to a Bible Study? Is the message of the Bible still relevant today?
The chief researcher for one major denomination recently estimated that only about 6%-8% of the members of his denomination attend any kind of formal bible study in a given year and that only about half have ever been to a Bible study in their lives.[2] Why is there so much biblical illiteracy? We know the importance of reading the Bible then why so little interest? Why people would rather go to a BBQ than come to a Bible Study? Is the message of the Bible still relevant today?
Three reasons why I believe it is absolutely critical that we learn to read and understand God’s word the Bible: 1.God’s word is living.2.God’s word reveals God’s plan 3.God’s word is the antidote against false teaching.
A. GOD’S WORD IS LIVING.
The Bible says about it’s authenticity in 1 Peter 1:25 “But the word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” In other words it can not and will not be destroyed. Why? Because it is God’s word, as God can not be destroyed neither can his word. Josh McDowell point from his research, “Over 2,000 times in the OT alone there are clauses such as “ and God spoke to Moses,” “the word of the Lord came to Jonah,” and “God said”. Moreover, the Bible claims to be a record of the words and deeds of God, thus the Bible views itself as God’s Word.”[3]
Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."
Deuteronomy 32:46-47 “he(Moses) said to them, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you-- they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess." I can not over emphasize the need for us to daily read and apply the living word of God.
In the midst of many versions which one should you read? Before I say anything else about translations let me illustrate this. “Three persons were talking about some of the recent translations of the Bible. One said, "I like the New English version of the Gospels. It's easier reading than all the older versions." Said the second person, "I prefer the new Jerusalem Bible. The translators have modernized the language without sacrificing reverence." To which the third person replied, "I know an even better translation. I like my mother's translation best. She translated the Bible into life, and it is the most convincing translation I have ever seen. She was a loving person who always took the needs of others seriously.” No matter what version you read, if you don’t live by what you read it does not do any good to you. My personally advice especially to new believers is to read the New International Version, because it is easy to read, and to understand.
B. GOD’S WORD REVEALS GOD’S PLAN:
Have you ever wondered what it is that God wants you to do? Does God have a plan for your life? As the title of a book suggests “If God has a plan for my Life, Why Can’t I find it? The truth of the matter is that God does have a plan and he wants to reveal it to us provided we are willing to listen and follow that plan.
God communicates to his people through many ways. “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s Glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful Word.”(Heb 1:1-3). Though Jesus is physically not present with us today he is still speaking to us through the Holy Spirit and his divinely inspired word of God the Bible.
Let me explain how this works. There were three specific times God used scriptures to help me make life changing decisions, firstly when I was deciding to go into full time ministry, secondly when I faced a situation after my mother’s death and thirdly while deciding to marry Wilma. I am glad that I was able to make all three right decisions because of the scriptural guidance; otherwise I would not be here today. Instead of asking does God have a plan for me? We must be asking am I seeking for it in His scriptures? (Ecc 1:8, Isaiah 42: 6; 49:6, Lk 4:43).
Where else can we find God’s plan other than in the revealed Word of God. He says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, and plans to give you hope and a future.”(Psalm 33:11) “But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”
C.GOD’S WORD IS THE ANTIDOTE AGAINST FALSE TEACHING:
Deuteronomy 32:46-47 “he(Moses) said to them, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you-- they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess." I can not over emphasize the need for us to daily read and apply the living word of God.
In the midst of many versions which one should you read? Before I say anything else about translations let me illustrate this. “Three persons were talking about some of the recent translations of the Bible. One said, "I like the New English version of the Gospels. It's easier reading than all the older versions." Said the second person, "I prefer the new Jerusalem Bible. The translators have modernized the language without sacrificing reverence." To which the third person replied, "I know an even better translation. I like my mother's translation best. She translated the Bible into life, and it is the most convincing translation I have ever seen. She was a loving person who always took the needs of others seriously.” No matter what version you read, if you don’t live by what you read it does not do any good to you. My personally advice especially to new believers is to read the New International Version, because it is easy to read, and to understand.
B. GOD’S WORD REVEALS GOD’S PLAN:
Have you ever wondered what it is that God wants you to do? Does God have a plan for your life? As the title of a book suggests “If God has a plan for my Life, Why Can’t I find it? The truth of the matter is that God does have a plan and he wants to reveal it to us provided we are willing to listen and follow that plan.
God communicates to his people through many ways. “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s Glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful Word.”(Heb 1:1-3). Though Jesus is physically not present with us today he is still speaking to us through the Holy Spirit and his divinely inspired word of God the Bible.
Let me explain how this works. There were three specific times God used scriptures to help me make life changing decisions, firstly when I was deciding to go into full time ministry, secondly when I faced a situation after my mother’s death and thirdly while deciding to marry Wilma. I am glad that I was able to make all three right decisions because of the scriptural guidance; otherwise I would not be here today. Instead of asking does God have a plan for me? We must be asking am I seeking for it in His scriptures? (Ecc 1:8, Isaiah 42: 6; 49:6, Lk 4:43).
Where else can we find God’s plan other than in the revealed Word of God. He says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, and plans to give you hope and a future.”(Psalm 33:11) “But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”
C.GOD’S WORD IS THE ANTIDOTE AGAINST FALSE TEACHING:
We are living in a time where so much wrong doctrine preached. For example: Word of Faith, Health and Wealth, Name It and Claim It, Prosperity Theology--its emphasis is on God's promised generosity in this life and the ability of believers to claim it for themselves.
In a nutshell, it suggests that a God who loves you does not want you to be broke. In a TIME poll, 17% of Christians surveyed said they considered themselves part of such a movement, while a full 61% believed that God wants people to be prosperous. And 31%--agreed that if you give your money to God, God will bless you with more money.” Unlike these Christians the early Christians were selling their properties, instead of becoming rich for themselves they were becoming rich towards God. How could we discern false teachings when we don’t read and study the apostle’s teachings? Paul writes to Timothy, in I Timothy 6:10 “for the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” When we equip ourselves with the truth when the false teaching is presented to us we are able to discern wrong from right.
No one Church can claim to be the perfect Church. We realize that the Church is made up of broken people whose lives are touched and transformed by the power of the Gospel. But God is not yet finished with us, he is still working on us, purifying us and he will continue that process of cleansing until we reflect the face of His son Jesus Christ. I believe people are searching for a Church that is genuine and real. Our vision is to build an authentic community that Loves God and seeks to share the message of the gospel to all ethnic groups in Quincy and beyond. If we want to be authentic community we must look at the early Church as a model and glean from them life giving and guiding principles. The first vital sign in the early church was that the early Church was a learning Church. Next week we will discover another Sign of the Living Church. May the Lord help the Evangelical Congregational Church to be a learning Church.
[1] http://www.funnysermons.com/illustrations/bible/textbook.html
[2] http://day1.org/1496-why_dont_people_read_the_bible
[3] Josh McDowell, & Don Stewart, Answers to tough questions
In a nutshell, it suggests that a God who loves you does not want you to be broke. In a TIME poll, 17% of Christians surveyed said they considered themselves part of such a movement, while a full 61% believed that God wants people to be prosperous. And 31%--agreed that if you give your money to God, God will bless you with more money.” Unlike these Christians the early Christians were selling their properties, instead of becoming rich for themselves they were becoming rich towards God. How could we discern false teachings when we don’t read and study the apostle’s teachings? Paul writes to Timothy, in I Timothy 6:10 “for the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” When we equip ourselves with the truth when the false teaching is presented to us we are able to discern wrong from right.
No one Church can claim to be the perfect Church. We realize that the Church is made up of broken people whose lives are touched and transformed by the power of the Gospel. But God is not yet finished with us, he is still working on us, purifying us and he will continue that process of cleansing until we reflect the face of His son Jesus Christ. I believe people are searching for a Church that is genuine and real. Our vision is to build an authentic community that Loves God and seeks to share the message of the gospel to all ethnic groups in Quincy and beyond. If we want to be authentic community we must look at the early Church as a model and glean from them life giving and guiding principles. The first vital sign in the early church was that the early Church was a learning Church. Next week we will discover another Sign of the Living Church. May the Lord help the Evangelical Congregational Church to be a learning Church.
[1] http://www.funnysermons.com/illustrations/bible/textbook.html
[2] http://day1.org/1496-why_dont_people_read_the_bible
[3] Josh McDowell, & Don Stewart, Answers to tough questions
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