#Bible #Lesson What Christians Believe About the Church
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 the ladder/stairway to heaven.
- Joseph had several significant dreams.
- Solomon at the start of his reign.
- Most of the book of Daniel is his describing dreams.
- Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph.
- Mary, the mother of Jesus.
- And dozens of others.
Acts 4 could have been written by a dreamer because the church described sounds “way too good!”
The church as described is the “dream church.” Members do all the things churches are supposed to do including sharing, serving the needy, and outreach.
But shouldn't the church described really be “just a church like yours?"
- The Body of Christ.
- The Bride of Christ.
- A Place for Christians to use their gifts.
- A Fellowship of Believers.
- “The Holy, universal communion of saints.”
Holy.
Set apart for a special purpose. This sets the church apart from other organizations.
Universal.
A worldwide community that will continue until Christ’s return.
Communion of saints.
Made up of people living their lives for God.
The Bible contains stories of SAINTS like Abraham, Joseph, etc. It also includes AINTS like Pharaoh and Herod.
Everyone lives as a saint or an aint. Because of this, there is no “dream church.”
Paul describes Jesus and the church as having a husband/wife relationship.
Think of the church as being a family picture album that you hand to the world to emphasize the difference God has made in your life. Then you invite those in the world to become part of the family that includes a group of wonderful saints!
SEO: Bible study, New Testament, thinking, knowing God
Thanks to Dr. Scott Peterson for the primary teachings in this post.
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