First, joy. "According to Luke, the church's response to rejection and persecution was that 'the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit' (Acts 13.52)." Furthermore, throughout the New Testament, the word joy is repeatedly used to describe new life (read Philippians as one example).
Second, unity. Two texts come to mind--John 17 and Acts 4:32-34. The former text depicts Jesus praying for the church, and high on his list is unity. The latter describes what life looks like when the Spirit takes up residence in a community.
Third, resistance. This last sign of the church is the most challenging. " . . . if Jesus is Lord, then resistance was due to any power that would attempt to exercise rival lordship in the life of the believer, either by determining that person's identity or by requiring the believer to do things contrary to the reality of God's reign" (105). He continues to recount the early Christians refusal to be placed in service to the state. Then he states: "This latter point about resisting the powers is central to the apostolic narrative of the birth of the church but is frequently overlooked in the present church's retelling, probably because we do not represent anything like a threat to the status quo (whether that be the state, the military, the market, or civil society. Jesus, as we know, was executed on charges of crimes against both the temple and the state . . ." After reminding us of this sobering truth, Stone reminds us how often the earliest Christians found themselves in trouble for being the church (cf. Acts). The point being, we can't give our souls to Jesus and then surrender our bodies to the state or the market, that is, if Jesus is truly Lord. For if he's Lord, it all belongs to him--our bodies, souls, and minds.
This latter paragraph is very powerful and maybe even troubling to us. Something to think about.
3 comments:
The enemies (the world, the flesh, the Devil) strive against the children of God:
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritural wickedness in high places.
The Lord Jesus Christ WHO IS The Light The Truth The Salvation The Strength The Life The Way The Door The Prayer Of Intercession for His Saints of all generations,(throughout all ages, from Adam until Jesus Returns In Glory, on Resurrection Day.)
Shouldn't evangelism in a Church also include frequent instructions on how to receive salvation.
1st John 1:9: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1st John 4:15: Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
We rarely hear these two things taught in a lot of Churches today. It should be an essential part of a Church to the shepherding in of those that are not saved and to show and instruct them on the way to receive life in Christ eternally. Many that come to Church are not saved and never hear that message, and leave the Church still unsaved. That should not be acceptable.
I am not suggestion an alter call, but a frequent call to raise their eyes to the Pastor in agreement if they want to share in the grace of salvation.
The Truth of the matter:
1Jo 4:08 God is love.
The Good News Nexus:
1JO 4:10 Herein is love not that we love God, but that he loved us and sent his Son the propitiation for our sins.
The grateful response of his children:
1Jo 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
Danger of Sin (world, flesh, Devil)and its choking debilitating effect on his children:
Rev 2:04 Nevertheless I have [somewhat](grievances) against thee, because thou hast left thy FIRST LOVE.
The letter of The Law Commands to correct the breach:
Mar 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all they strength. This is the FIRST COMMANDMENT.
The Law Giver's Power to overcome sin and death in his children:
Phl 4:13 I can do all things in Christ Jesus (Creator/Redeemer/King) who strenghtens me.
To Hope in The Lord for his mercy, his love, his counsel enduring forever.
To Feed on the word of his life and strength.
To Drink from the well of his grace, wisdom, and strength.
To Follow in the path of his way, truth, and light.
To Trust in the perfect work of His Salvation in Christ Jesus.
To Rest in His Peace that passes all understanding in Christ Jesus.
To Rejoice in song and praise perfected in the mouths of babes and infants.
To Thank Him with clean hearts and sound minds perfected by his blood atonement.
To Pray in the Spirit to conform to His will and to persevere in his purpose he has chosen for our lives.
LORD HELP US ALL TO BE CONNECTED WITH YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN BY SEEKING YOUR FACE CONTINUALLY
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