An Early Church Model
April 13, 2010
Early Church Model What is the early church model and how does it compare to what we are doing in Bend? Looking in Acts we see a pattern of numerical growth, geographical growth, and spiritual growth. How? And is that happening in our church today? How far have we wandered from the model. Are there some lessons that can bring us back to that model?
Growth Growth from a group of frightened men and women followers of Christ, to an early church body of Christ that changed the world. From the original 12 disciples to 120 men and women believers, then to 3000 believers were baptized in one day, then to 10,000 believers (5000 men plus women and children). From Jerusalem they were called to Samaria, Judea, and to every land and every people. Every people included the secular (gentiles), those who lead in our community (kings), and to our fellow Christians (Acts 1:8). What did their spiritual growth look like and what can we learn from them in our ministry in Bend?
For those who missed Pastor Jerry’s ground shaking sermon April 10, 2010, I would invite you to listen to it online. Use the link from this website to the Adventist church website. I just did, felt compelled to summarize it below, and to use it as the basis for ConneXions discussion this weekend – with the addition of how we are going to apply it in real ways to were we are in Bend. Join me April 17 at 9:30 AM and for further discussion and potluck at 1:00 PM at the Carlson’s home.
Holy Spirit Mission The early church had a sense of mission (Acts 1:5). They were baptized by the Holy Spirit. They were called to go. They spoke with courage even though they were ordinary men. Those who heard them noted that they had been with Jesus. They spoke with boldness because God was speaking and was enabling them to speak by the Holy Spirit. They were empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witness to the ends of the earth. A universal message to a universal people. If we are filled with the Spirit we will be empowered to take the message to all people without partiality.
Constant Prayer The early church was constantly in prayer (Acts 1:14). Prayer that lead to miracles revealing the glory of God (Acts 5:12). The weak are restored. Those bound are freed. There is power in the ministry of the disciples which the people don’t understand. This is Holy Spirit power. Given by God so his name is glorified and Christ message is carried. If we are serious about new testament power we need to experience new testament prayer.
Devoted Unity The early church (Act 2:42 onward) had unity. They devoted themselves to the disciples teaching, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was together, shared what was needed, worshipping together, in the temple sharing their faith. And God added daily to those who were being saved. If we are devoted to unity, we will be devoted to study, to prayer, to sharing meals, to witnessing together.
Honest Transparency The early church (Acts 5:1) had transparency. When they were confronted, the disciples could not but speak to what they had seen, heard, and experienced. Don’t fake your christianity, one set of behavior for the world, another for the home. No, be honest, genuine, and real. If we are honest with a spirituality, we will be transparent and honest with were we are in our relationship with God.
Summary 1) So they had mission, Holy Spirit driven and motivated. They were a Holy Spirit mission driven church that loved God and served others. 2) They had a Prayer life that doesn’t just open and close the day. A prayer life was a constant communication with a Friend. Prayer power is needed before mission power will come. 3) They had unity – a spirit of togetherness in their worship, their study, their mission, and their service. 4) They were transparent – honest with their relationship with God, with their service, with their witness.
Results 1) They grew in numbers. From 12 to thousands. From one city to every land and people. 2) They were persecuted. Jailed. Flogged. The devil apposes the gospel. 3) They praised God in song in the midst of persecution. They rejoiced. Because they were counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
Choice Which do yo want? A lukewarm spirituality or an early church spirituality? Do you have hope? Jesus says there is a future and a hope in Him alone. He calls you to mission, to prayer, to unity, and transparency. This hope will change the world because it starts by changing you.
Notes from a Sermon by Jerry Joubert April 10, 2010
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to read the rest from this author. Craigan Griffin is a local doctor and outdoorsman, who loves his family and living in Bend. He is a lay leader in ConneXions and has a passion for exploring the Word and pursuing the Way. 
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