The Focus of the Acts Church
We live in a time of “church” where it looks nothing like it did a generation ago, nor did that generational view look anything like the previous generation.
Each generation of church experiences change.
Yet we yearn for that yesteryear, perhaps a simpler time, but everything we do makes the church simply a more complex organism. The church is a huge organization of business, as I heard one man describe the largest of churches amongst us.
What did the first generation of “church” people do? Let’s find out.
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42 NKJV)
There was a focus on the teachings of the apostle, fellowship with one another, breaking of bread (many studies suggest this was communion) and in prayers. In other words, a simpler time that kept everyone close to one another, supporting each other, and spending more time in prayer than in a “worship service” or “preaching conference”.
If any of these things are important, then perhaps we should look at revisiting our roots.
1. The apostle’s doctrine came from the instruction of Jesus. But Jesus said, “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.” (John 7:16) Even the Apostle Paul, not one of the original 12 disciples, was instructed personally by Jesus of the gospel message:
But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11-12 NKJV)
All gospel instruction must line up to the Words of Jesus which is directly from God. Anything else must be rejected.
2. Fellowship with one another: Everything we read about the early church shows their relationship with each other as partners and that is the meaning of the word Fellowship. But we do not keep our light to ourselves, rather, we shine it into the darkness – Jesus was accused:
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.” (Matthew 11:18-19 NKJV)
So. If we are to be light to this world, our connection will not only be within the house of our church. It will reach everyone and it will not be condoned by many. Just make sure you are doing for the reasons Jesus states in his Sermon on the Mount.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 NKJV)
3. Breaking Bread: If this is really communion, then I say there is nothing wrong with each of us having our own private communion to remember the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross.
And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. (Luke 22:19-20 NKJV)
4. Prayer: Everywhere he went, Jesus carved out times of private prayer. Alone. Just him and his burden. (Matthew 14:23, Luke 6:12) Why? In his last private prayer before the cross, Jesus tells his weary disciples:
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38 NKJV)
Our flesh is weak. Prayer renews our connection with God and must be there to give us strength in our momentary weakness. Prayer breaks down our will and submits us to His will.
So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. (Luke 11:2 NKJV)
If ever we need a good pattern to follow in this complex world, perhaps it’s the simplicity of the early church we should heed and follow.