Timeless Truths: What Christians believe about… #2-The Church (Part 1)
9. What Christians believe about… #2-The Church (Part 1)
March 10, 2016
All Scripture quotations are from the NIV.
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:32-37
Scripture is full of dreamers.
- Jacob and his ladder/stairway to/from heaven (Gen 28:10-22)
- Joseph, Son of Jacob’s dreams (Gen 38 and beyond)
- Solomon at the start of his reign (1 Kings 3:5-15)
- Daniel (Daniel Ch 7-12)
- Joseph husband of Mary’s dreams (Matt 1:20, 2:13, 2:19)
The fourth chapter of Acts could have been written by a dreamer because the church described there “sounds way too good to be true.”
In fact, the church described in Acts 4 is the dream church. It does all the things churches are supposed to do like helping the needy and reaching out to those around them.
Did you ever consider that maybe the church described in Acts 4 is just like the church you attend? (Stay tuned…)
The church has many aliases in Scripture.
- Body of Christ
- Bride of Christ
- A place for us to use our gifts
- Fellowship of believers
In other words, “The Holy, universal communion of saints”
Let’s take a look at each of the key terms in our final alias.
- Holy. The church is set apart for a special purpose. Because of this God’s church differs from other organization, no matter how “good” they are.
- Universal. The church is a worldwide community. It will continue until Christ returns.
- Communion of saints. The church is made up of people living their lives for God.
When we look through God’s eyes, there are only two kinds of people in this world. We find “aints” and “saints” throughout Scripture.
- Aints include Pharaoh, Herod, and the unnamed masses that rejected God’s prophets and Christ.
- Saints include Abraham, Joseph, Barnabas, Lydia, etc. Every believer who lives as Christ commands is a saint.
Today’s church includes both aints and saints. Everyone is living as an aint or a saint.
Because of this, there is no dream church.
Whichever of those you prefer, all the terms imply Holy people set aside for a special purpose
Next week will look deeper into the concept of church.
Thanks to Rev. Scott Peterson for the central teachings used in this blog.
Next Thursday's Timeless Truths Series: What Christians believe about… #2-The Church (Part 2)
I'd appreciate your feedback!
I believe the church today can be like the church in Acts if we just listen to the Lord and act according. I know in a church not everyone is going to participate but I think if enough people do, it can still work that way. I remember back when I first started attending the Spring Valley church, there was no one more friendly and giving than Birdie. She was a gift to me, always. Joan Freeman
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