THE EARLY CHURCH:

A MODEL FOR TODAY

MEMORY VERSE: `”And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”. Acts 2:42.

BIBLE PASSAGE: ACTS 2:42-44 

INTRODUCTION: A close study of the daily life of the first Apostolic church reveals certain peculiarities worthy of note.  This seems to run contrary to some trends noticed in some churches today.  We need to examine what the early church looked like and practice in order to re-align ourselves with the will of God for His church.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Some short-comings of the present-day church

2. The qualities of the early church

SOME SHORT-COMINGS OF THE PRESENT-DAY CHURCH

(i) Human philosophies and motivational talks have replaced the Apostles’doctrines.1 Cor.2:4; Col. 2:4,8.  

(ii) Monetary rewards and other forms of compensations have replaced selfless services. Acts 20:35; Gal 6:9

(iii) True, genuine and agape love has been replaced by suspicion. 1 John 3:18; Heb. 10:25

(iv) Sacrificial giving is gradually fading away. Acts 2:45; Psalms 69:9

(v) Pride, competition, egoistic tendencies, rivalry among leaders and followers have replaced complementary and submission to one another and God. 2Cor. 10:12; Phil. 2:5. 

(vi) Envy and strife, suspicion and hatred have found their ways to the church. James 3:14, 15

(vii) Gimmicks resulting in fake miracles, lies, exploitation, intimidation, evil packaging, deception etc. 

1Tim. 6:3-7, Eph. 4:14; 2 Cor.12:16-17

THE QUALITIES OF THE EARLY CHURCH

 

(i) Steadfastness in Apostle’ doctrines, fellowship, prayers and breaking of bread from house. Acts 2:42-44

(ii) Warm, truthful and loving fellowship. 2 Cor. 2:13; Phil 4:10

(iii) True signs and wonders were common in early church. Acts 2:43; 4:14; Mark 16:20

(iv) Unity in love and togetherness. Acts 2:44; John 17:21

(v) The early church members were generous. Acts 2:45; 4:34-37

(vi) The early church enjoyed favour with all people. Acts 2:44

(vii) The early church experienced tremendous growth on daily basis. Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:14

CONCLUSION 

While we cannot rule out the need for innovations and creativities that make the church of God lively today, the present day church must be modeled after the early church.

QUESTIONS

1. Mention four short-comings of the modern days church

2. Mention four qualities of the early-christian church