(The following was taken from another website. Some minor revisions were made and it is used with permission.)
During the first century A.D. there was great turmoil; for God's Son, Jesus Christ, had come as promised for thousands of years by Old Testament prophets; and had set up the New Testament or New Covenant between God and mankind. The Apostles of Jesus Christ had the responsibility to proclaim this new Gospel Covenant and its requirements to all men.
Rather than working through a nation of people (the Hebrews) to reach men with the truth; Jesus set up on earth His body known as the New Testament Church. Through this body of believers (the Church0 Christ works on earth. We are his hands, feet, voice, -- His body on earth.
(See Ephesians 4 )
In the nation of Israel God always had a remnant of faithful believers; but unlike the nation of Israel, the Church is to be the remnant -- citizens of Heaven, not of earth. Groups who profess to be followers of Jesus and part of the true Church; yet do not live according to Jesus' teachings and commands, are really not part of Christ's Church. According to Scripture, if a person wasn't living holy, they were put out of the church, so the assembly would remain holy as the body of Christ on earth. (I Peter 2:9; I John 2:4; I Corinthians 5:1-13)
Though there were continuous assaults on the church by Satan's false prophets and false professors; these were not to be tolerated within the body, but judged and disciplined out of the church. If a believer began to waver and wander from the right path, they were confronted by the brethren. If they didn't repent to be restored into fellowship, they were put out of the fellowship until they did repent. Paul had taught them, "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"; so they were taught to put away from themselves evil doers. ( See Galatians 5:9 )
Because Satan is alive, the churches were not without trouble. However, they were victorious in these trials as long as they followed the Lord's/Apostle's teachings. Those assemblies who strayed from those teachings were shunned by the faithful assemblies, and became apostate. Though they remained in existence, and were sometimes very powerful, they were not a true "Church of Jesus Christ". In Revelation Jesus warned churches to repent or come to this fate. Many churches today are very successful in the eyes of man; but have already been rejected by Jesus, and so are utter failures in reality. (mainstream/denominational/evangelicalism)
There are thousands of "churches" today claiming to be a true "Church of Jesus Christ"; but only those assemblies who hold to "all things whatsoever Jesus commanded" and all the Apostle's teachings and commands in the New Testament are eligible to make such a claim. Don't follow the wicked Romish church to study church history or denominational systems. Follow the Word for spirit and truth worship (see John 4:24). History also shows the faithful martyrs and preachers who held to the Scriptural faith and life of the New Testament church.
When painting a picture of "visiting a first century church"; let's focus on the normal church situation, not the times of trial and controversy. We will not focus on the Laodiceans, Diotrephes, nor the leaven that was continually put away from the body. It would be unfair to the faithful, self sacrificing, God fearing, holy living believers who were the pillars and backbone of the churches that evangelized the then known world; died at the stake; were cast to lions; and faithfully served Jesus -- it would be unfair to them to focus on the trouble-makers that they had to deal with. We should not be so proud and wise in our own conceit that we can't appreciate the valor and purity of the first century believers. When we look at Peter's life: to focus on his failures, and not rejoice in his victories, only reveals the wicked heart within us.
We are going to visit one of the faithful churches, and see how different they were from what we see today. The things that we will notice, will be the "norm" for all the churches: Things they all had in common, when not in the midst of a great trial.
VISITING A FIRST CENTURY CHURCH
It is clear from the scriptures that believers often met from house to house to break bread, fellowship, sing, pray and study God's Word. They broke bread in remembrance of the Lord's death until He returned. (It was a simple meal with wine and bread as the focus / See Matthew 26 and 1 Corinthians 11 )
Paul went to the Jewish Synagogue and preached to the Jews as was his custom when visiting any Gentile city where there was a Jewish Synagogue. Those who believed were eventually separated into a body of believers that included Jew and Gentile.
This day they were to meet at a brother's house. They did not have religious buildings like today (set religious buildings started around 4 AD under the pagan emperor Constantine.) The early saints didn't need such things at all. As we see them gathering to this brother's house, we see the women dressed plain and simple: no jewelry, costly array, makeup, or fashionable attire. We see their heads veiled with hanging scarfs: no cut, permed, fixed hair. This was not so unusual, as no self respecting women in those days were ever caught without their heads veiled in public--only the loose women did that. These Christian women covered their heads for a spiritual, not just a cultural reason. All the churches of God held the custom that women cover their heads as a part of feminine modesty, which symbolized being in their God given place under authority. It would be a shame for a Christian woman to do spiritual business immodestly without the proper symbol of her place under authority.
The Christian women were not coming to church to show off their new dress, talk about their career, or learn the latest gossip. Instead, they were headed covered ( see 1 Corinthians 11 ) dressed simple, modest, and plain with long flowing robes covering their form (click HERE for more details on godly ladies dress). They were keepers at home, where they worked hard to teach and train their children -- not send them to heathen schools. They kept silent (click HERE for more info on women being silent) in the gathering as far as speaking to the group (except for singing), and if they had a question, they asked their husbands at home -- for he was a spiritual leader, who studied and knew the Bible, not a couch potato watching the TV; or workaholic who had no time for God.
As we enter the house we don't see materialism from wall to wall, but simple, practical furnishings. We see Christian brothers greet one another with charity, and extend the right hand of fellowship to one another. The sisters likewise greet one another in the Lord. They have not come together to be entertained by music or a funny speaker; for they would have been appalled at the thought of "Christian entertainment as we see today in most religious places. There is no room in a holy God fearing life for the vanities of this world. The early Christians were set apart and not of the world. (See Romans 12:2 )
Singing (the fruit of our lips not instruments) was a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to God; and also for admonishing one another; but never for the glory of the flesh, emotional highs or the entertainment of men. They didn't come to get a good laugh; for vain mirth was also unknown to their meetings. This was a special time to exhort one another to continue in the faith, and endure to the end with the glorious expectation of inheriting Christ's Kingdom.
They have come together to train each other up and to break bread. (the Lord's supper) All the brothers would be welcome to take part, according to their spiritual gift, in giving a word of doctrine, teaching, sharing an exhortation, or suggesting a hymn. (Not just a modern pastor.) All things were done decently and in order, but not in dead formalism with one man running the whole show by a clock. They were spirit led not man led as we see today.
If any spake another language, they were to keep silent unless there was someone who could speak both their language and that of the assembly, and thus interpret. In this case the visitor of another language could share a word also.
The elders were to oversee not run the gathering. It was their responsibility to see that things were in line with the Word of God, and that the sheep were fed biblically. Normally you wouldn't knew who was a elder as many men stepped up to partake in the gathering. If you were there, you would rejoice to behold their order and steadfastness in the faith of Christ. Elders and deacons had to meet all the requirements of Scripture (click HERE to learn about elders) , not have a degree from some college or give a smooth, entertaining, sermon.
This day there was a special joy in the meeting. No, there was no visiting band, quartet or special singer. This would have been thought abominable to these believers. You would never see a woman up in front of the church dressed up and fixed up showing off her voice, and distracting from the pure worship of Jesus Christ -- it was only the work of antichrists to set themselves up in God's body to be praised or lifted up instead of worshiping God.
No, there was not carnival type campaigns to draw carnal men by means of the lust of the flesh or emotions using lights and beat driven music. Only false prophets allured through wantonness and the lust of the flesh -- so Peter had told them.
No, this was not super-bowl Sunday, where everyone wondered if their team would win. The games in the stadiums were for heathen idolaters, not true holy followers of Jesus Christ.
This week, the beloved Brother Paul was passing through town, and would teach them today. He would not have any funny stories, fancy illustrations, or great swelling words of man's wisdom. He had purposed to preach nothing but Christ crucified. For he knew the preaching of the cross is the only thing that really matters. Now, the preaching of the cross wasn't just the one Jesus died on; but the one we all must die on if we are to follow Jesus. We must be crucified with Christ; crucified to the world, flesh, and Devil and given wholly over to God. Paul's speech was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.
Paul preached and warned all with tears that we should not cast off our confidence in Christ Jesus, which hath great recompense of reward; that we should guard against those who wish to change the whole counsel of God, which he had presented and that we should exhort one another to continue in God's grace. He pressed us earnestly that through trial, and problems with false teachers we must endure in our love for Christ (lest it wax cold), and in our love for each other (lest we be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin). He warned us of the Gnostic heretics who deny Jesus having come in the flesh, and were turning the grace of God into lasciviousness - in teaching our physical performance didn't affect our spiritual condition. These Gnostics taught unconditional eternal security, man's unconditional fate (predestination), and that Jesus' Father wasn't the God of Abraham. They taught that man was so depraved, they couldn't repent; but Paul affirmed that what God had commanded, we were able to do by his grace. It was our choice and we would be held accountable for it.
Finally, he stressed the exhortation that we have need of patience, that after we have done the will of God we would receive the promise of eternal life in Christ's Heavenly Kingdom. He affirmed the words of Peter that the way to be secure was not to believe in unconditional eternal security; but to commit the keeping of our souls to God in well doing -- to abide faithful in Christ.
After this they prayed in one accord. Then they talked a great while, and finally had to part to their own homes after breaking bread together.
If Paul hadn't been there other brothers would have taught the people, as the Spirit led. At the departing, it was obvious the love these people had one to another. You could tell they were grieved to part one from another. Each gave the other a final exhortation of many different sorts: One told the other to "be not forgetful to entertain strangers, because thereby some had entertained angels unawares". Another said to remember to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, for without this man's religion was not pure and undefiled before God. (See James 1:27) Another asked his brother to pray for him that a door of utterance would be opened unto him so he could preach Christ to those around him. Another confessed some faults/sin for the body to pray with him or to be healed.
One brother during the meeting, had shared some persecution he had been receiving and was lovingly reminded he must return good for evil and love his enemies. To this he admitted he needed prayer to stay faithful.
In this meeting there was not emotional instrumental music, but the fruit of the lips of God's people. The early church had little singing, no instrumental music, and much reading of the Word and study. There was no regard for any credentials of man from any Bible College; for there were none. The reliance was on a man's spiritual walk and gifts, not his supposed head knowledge. The only knowledge that was honored was the true knowledge which produces the fruit of righteousness and holiness in the life of the believer.
This went on until they had all parted and gone home with hearts rejoicing and yet serious with the great responsibility to be sober and diligent to seek the Lord and be ready for Jesus to come. They also knew that before Jesus would come, there was going to be a great apostasy from the faith and an antichrist system set up - (Today's false religious system's like the Roman Catholic faith/ denominational religion. ) The believers carried a heavy responsibility to defend the true faith against all the heretics of the day.
God forbid that Jesus should come and find them asleep, and then they would forfeit their opportunity to enter in with Him to the wedding; or that they should recant in time of persecution and torture -- for all this they needed to be sober and ready.
I mentioned before that the women kept silent in the gathering when the men were teaching the Word of God. However, outside the church meeting, the mature Christian ladies were active in spreading the gospel and they also taught the younger to love their husbands, and love their children. This was not done in word only, but also in deed as they daily set this example before them. You would never find a woman teaching in the assembly, serving as elder/pastor, leading singing, singing special solos, or asking questions during the meeting. She could ask her husband, who could later ask the brethren. None of the brethren held "degrees" or were elevated above another in being called "doctor", "master", "rabbi", reverend or the like. They were all brothers filling their proper roles in the body, and Jesus was the only "head" and "Master". When everyone is content to fill their role, there is harmony and productivity in the body.
Every saint had a giving heart as they gave as the Lord had prospered them. Their money was used to take care of the widows within the church which had no younger family to do it; to support missionary gospel work; to help the poor brethren at home or in other churches; and to help support the workers so they could give themselves continually to ministry work and prayer, like the apostles. Elders followed Paul's example, and helped support themselves with the labor of their hands. There was not a "clergy"- "laity" distinction, as all the brethren were all "disciples". They were not building centered but Christ centered. There was multiple elders (what we would call pastors) and deacons who were godly men that oversaw the proceedings. They did this more from the power of influence and example, than of the authority of position - though they did have authority when standing on a biblical principle to guide the body.
Yes, this is a simple picture of the order of the early church. They were not worldly or connected to the carnal culture around them. The people had crucified their affections and lusts, and were not fashioning themselves according to the former lusts in their ignorance. They lived holy and obedient for the Lord daily. Their money, time, material things, efforts and their every day was for Jesus Christ and His glory.
They were holy, separated people, but we humble. They welcomed the poor man in his rags. They preached to the publican and harlots, as Jesus and the Apostles had taught them, and were always ready to help the repentant. James had told them to never treat a rich man who came to their meeting better than a poor man in rags. Nor did they come to church to show off their riches and fashion. They lived simple and plain in protest to the worldly minded fashion and money hungry society around them.
They labored under adverse conditions, and history shows their success and heroic existence. They were truly hated of all nations, because they testified, like Jesus, that men's deeds were evil, and must be repented of. Many of them died and sealed their preaching with their own blood, just as the Apostles who taught them and Jesus, their Lord. Their holy lives were a continual prick to consciences around them. This provoked persecution and mocking. They were calling men to reconcile with God on God's terms; and this often ignites hatred and resistance from the rebellious.
IS THIS CHRISTIANITY LOST?
Not at all! Jesus will have a faithful remnant until He returns. There are believers today striving to live by the example of the early churches. God has always had a remnant of faithful followers. You can trace their existence often by the blood of martyrdom; but always by a life of holiness and godliness in submission to Jesus Christ.
These believers today are scattered through the world. You won't find them on the "Christian" TV, or radio. You won't read about them in the "top ten" best sellers at the "Christian book store". You will know them by the simple, holy life they are trying to live. Usually the most visible thing is the women's modest dress and veiled head. (Click HERE to read about headcoverings.) The men also dress modest, plain, and when doing spiritual business always uncover their heads; but this is not so noticeable today.
I'm not saying that all churches with head veils on the women are like first century churches; but if these factors are not there then you can be sure they are not like first century churches.
God has a remnant today as he always has. If you are a true follower of Jesus you must separate from practices and groups that do not follow New Testament example and walk in all the light God gives you. If your body is willing to change and follow the New Testament example, then stay with it and help it; but if not, then you must leave it. ( See 2 Corinthians 6:17 )
You'll not find many things in the New Testament Church that you will find in man's modern religion today. You won't find programs, gyms, coffee bars, bookstores, "child evangelism" or "child baptism" or sports scores. You will find child training by parents who fear God. These parents won't send their children to a public school; but see it as a God given responsibility to bring up their own children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. As stated earlier, you won't find Calvinism, "eternal security", youth activities (family activities instead), or sinful lifestyles tolerated and excused. In a true NT body you should not find anything spiritually that you wouldn't find in the first century faithful churches. And, by God's grace, you'll find everything there you need to grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You may not find a crowd, as a remnant is never agreeable to the main stream. You won't find the fleshly security of endorsement from the "big names" of the day, as even Jesus didn't receive that; but actually spoke against it. We are to go with Him without the camp bearing his reproach, even as He has born our sin and reproach.
But, if you truly want the straight and narrow way, seek the Word of God, the company of the other faithful remnant, and the saving faith once delivered to the saints. Until Jesus comes, let us be watchful, lest he come and find us sleeping!
"And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." Luke 3:9
Lets us know how we can assist you in anyway.
[email protected]
608-547-8162
dontperish.com
During the first century A.D. there was great turmoil; for God's Son, Jesus Christ, had come as promised for thousands of years by Old Testament prophets; and had set up the New Testament or New Covenant between God and mankind. The Apostles of Jesus Christ had the responsibility to proclaim this new Gospel Covenant and its requirements to all men.
Rather than working through a nation of people (the Hebrews) to reach men with the truth; Jesus set up on earth His body known as the New Testament Church. Through this body of believers (the Church0 Christ works on earth. We are his hands, feet, voice, -- His body on earth.
(See Ephesians 4 )
In the nation of Israel God always had a remnant of faithful believers; but unlike the nation of Israel, the Church is to be the remnant -- citizens of Heaven, not of earth. Groups who profess to be followers of Jesus and part of the true Church; yet do not live according to Jesus' teachings and commands, are really not part of Christ's Church. According to Scripture, if a person wasn't living holy, they were put out of the church, so the assembly would remain holy as the body of Christ on earth. (I Peter 2:9; I John 2:4; I Corinthians 5:1-13)
Though there were continuous assaults on the church by Satan's false prophets and false professors; these were not to be tolerated within the body, but judged and disciplined out of the church. If a believer began to waver and wander from the right path, they were confronted by the brethren. If they didn't repent to be restored into fellowship, they were put out of the fellowship until they did repent. Paul had taught them, "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump"; so they were taught to put away from themselves evil doers. ( See Galatians 5:9 )
Because Satan is alive, the churches were not without trouble. However, they were victorious in these trials as long as they followed the Lord's/Apostle's teachings. Those assemblies who strayed from those teachings were shunned by the faithful assemblies, and became apostate. Though they remained in existence, and were sometimes very powerful, they were not a true "Church of Jesus Christ". In Revelation Jesus warned churches to repent or come to this fate. Many churches today are very successful in the eyes of man; but have already been rejected by Jesus, and so are utter failures in reality. (mainstream/denominational/evangelicalism)
There are thousands of "churches" today claiming to be a true "Church of Jesus Christ"; but only those assemblies who hold to "all things whatsoever Jesus commanded" and all the Apostle's teachings and commands in the New Testament are eligible to make such a claim. Don't follow the wicked Romish church to study church history or denominational systems. Follow the Word for spirit and truth worship (see John 4:24). History also shows the faithful martyrs and preachers who held to the Scriptural faith and life of the New Testament church.
When painting a picture of "visiting a first century church"; let's focus on the normal church situation, not the times of trial and controversy. We will not focus on the Laodiceans, Diotrephes, nor the leaven that was continually put away from the body. It would be unfair to the faithful, self sacrificing, God fearing, holy living believers who were the pillars and backbone of the churches that evangelized the then known world; died at the stake; were cast to lions; and faithfully served Jesus -- it would be unfair to them to focus on the trouble-makers that they had to deal with. We should not be so proud and wise in our own conceit that we can't appreciate the valor and purity of the first century believers. When we look at Peter's life: to focus on his failures, and not rejoice in his victories, only reveals the wicked heart within us.
We are going to visit one of the faithful churches, and see how different they were from what we see today. The things that we will notice, will be the "norm" for all the churches: Things they all had in common, when not in the midst of a great trial.
VISITING A FIRST CENTURY CHURCH
It is clear from the scriptures that believers often met from house to house to break bread, fellowship, sing, pray and study God's Word. They broke bread in remembrance of the Lord's death until He returned. (It was a simple meal with wine and bread as the focus / See Matthew 26 and 1 Corinthians 11 )
Paul went to the Jewish Synagogue and preached to the Jews as was his custom when visiting any Gentile city where there was a Jewish Synagogue. Those who believed were eventually separated into a body of believers that included Jew and Gentile.
This day they were to meet at a brother's house. They did not have religious buildings like today (set religious buildings started around 4 AD under the pagan emperor Constantine.) The early saints didn't need such things at all. As we see them gathering to this brother's house, we see the women dressed plain and simple: no jewelry, costly array, makeup, or fashionable attire. We see their heads veiled with hanging scarfs: no cut, permed, fixed hair. This was not so unusual, as no self respecting women in those days were ever caught without their heads veiled in public--only the loose women did that. These Christian women covered their heads for a spiritual, not just a cultural reason. All the churches of God held the custom that women cover their heads as a part of feminine modesty, which symbolized being in their God given place under authority. It would be a shame for a Christian woman to do spiritual business immodestly without the proper symbol of her place under authority.
The Christian women were not coming to church to show off their new dress, talk about their career, or learn the latest gossip. Instead, they were headed covered ( see 1 Corinthians 11 ) dressed simple, modest, and plain with long flowing robes covering their form (click HERE for more details on godly ladies dress). They were keepers at home, where they worked hard to teach and train their children -- not send them to heathen schools. They kept silent (click HERE for more info on women being silent) in the gathering as far as speaking to the group (except for singing), and if they had a question, they asked their husbands at home -- for he was a spiritual leader, who studied and knew the Bible, not a couch potato watching the TV; or workaholic who had no time for God.
As we enter the house we don't see materialism from wall to wall, but simple, practical furnishings. We see Christian brothers greet one another with charity, and extend the right hand of fellowship to one another. The sisters likewise greet one another in the Lord. They have not come together to be entertained by music or a funny speaker; for they would have been appalled at the thought of "Christian entertainment as we see today in most religious places. There is no room in a holy God fearing life for the vanities of this world. The early Christians were set apart and not of the world. (See Romans 12:2 )
Singing (the fruit of our lips not instruments) was a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to God; and also for admonishing one another; but never for the glory of the flesh, emotional highs or the entertainment of men. They didn't come to get a good laugh; for vain mirth was also unknown to their meetings. This was a special time to exhort one another to continue in the faith, and endure to the end with the glorious expectation of inheriting Christ's Kingdom.
They have come together to train each other up and to break bread. (the Lord's supper) All the brothers would be welcome to take part, according to their spiritual gift, in giving a word of doctrine, teaching, sharing an exhortation, or suggesting a hymn. (Not just a modern pastor.) All things were done decently and in order, but not in dead formalism with one man running the whole show by a clock. They were spirit led not man led as we see today.
If any spake another language, they were to keep silent unless there was someone who could speak both their language and that of the assembly, and thus interpret. In this case the visitor of another language could share a word also.
The elders were to oversee not run the gathering. It was their responsibility to see that things were in line with the Word of God, and that the sheep were fed biblically. Normally you wouldn't knew who was a elder as many men stepped up to partake in the gathering. If you were there, you would rejoice to behold their order and steadfastness in the faith of Christ. Elders and deacons had to meet all the requirements of Scripture (click HERE to learn about elders) , not have a degree from some college or give a smooth, entertaining, sermon.
This day there was a special joy in the meeting. No, there was no visiting band, quartet or special singer. This would have been thought abominable to these believers. You would never see a woman up in front of the church dressed up and fixed up showing off her voice, and distracting from the pure worship of Jesus Christ -- it was only the work of antichrists to set themselves up in God's body to be praised or lifted up instead of worshiping God.
No, there was not carnival type campaigns to draw carnal men by means of the lust of the flesh or emotions using lights and beat driven music. Only false prophets allured through wantonness and the lust of the flesh -- so Peter had told them.
No, this was not super-bowl Sunday, where everyone wondered if their team would win. The games in the stadiums were for heathen idolaters, not true holy followers of Jesus Christ.
This week, the beloved Brother Paul was passing through town, and would teach them today. He would not have any funny stories, fancy illustrations, or great swelling words of man's wisdom. He had purposed to preach nothing but Christ crucified. For he knew the preaching of the cross is the only thing that really matters. Now, the preaching of the cross wasn't just the one Jesus died on; but the one we all must die on if we are to follow Jesus. We must be crucified with Christ; crucified to the world, flesh, and Devil and given wholly over to God. Paul's speech was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.
Paul preached and warned all with tears that we should not cast off our confidence in Christ Jesus, which hath great recompense of reward; that we should guard against those who wish to change the whole counsel of God, which he had presented and that we should exhort one another to continue in God's grace. He pressed us earnestly that through trial, and problems with false teachers we must endure in our love for Christ (lest it wax cold), and in our love for each other (lest we be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin). He warned us of the Gnostic heretics who deny Jesus having come in the flesh, and were turning the grace of God into lasciviousness - in teaching our physical performance didn't affect our spiritual condition. These Gnostics taught unconditional eternal security, man's unconditional fate (predestination), and that Jesus' Father wasn't the God of Abraham. They taught that man was so depraved, they couldn't repent; but Paul affirmed that what God had commanded, we were able to do by his grace. It was our choice and we would be held accountable for it.
Finally, he stressed the exhortation that we have need of patience, that after we have done the will of God we would receive the promise of eternal life in Christ's Heavenly Kingdom. He affirmed the words of Peter that the way to be secure was not to believe in unconditional eternal security; but to commit the keeping of our souls to God in well doing -- to abide faithful in Christ.
After this they prayed in one accord. Then they talked a great while, and finally had to part to their own homes after breaking bread together.
If Paul hadn't been there other brothers would have taught the people, as the Spirit led. At the departing, it was obvious the love these people had one to another. You could tell they were grieved to part one from another. Each gave the other a final exhortation of many different sorts: One told the other to "be not forgetful to entertain strangers, because thereby some had entertained angels unawares". Another said to remember to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, for without this man's religion was not pure and undefiled before God. (See James 1:27) Another asked his brother to pray for him that a door of utterance would be opened unto him so he could preach Christ to those around him. Another confessed some faults/sin for the body to pray with him or to be healed.
One brother during the meeting, had shared some persecution he had been receiving and was lovingly reminded he must return good for evil and love his enemies. To this he admitted he needed prayer to stay faithful.
In this meeting there was not emotional instrumental music, but the fruit of the lips of God's people. The early church had little singing, no instrumental music, and much reading of the Word and study. There was no regard for any credentials of man from any Bible College; for there were none. The reliance was on a man's spiritual walk and gifts, not his supposed head knowledge. The only knowledge that was honored was the true knowledge which produces the fruit of righteousness and holiness in the life of the believer.
This went on until they had all parted and gone home with hearts rejoicing and yet serious with the great responsibility to be sober and diligent to seek the Lord and be ready for Jesus to come. They also knew that before Jesus would come, there was going to be a great apostasy from the faith and an antichrist system set up - (Today's false religious system's like the Roman Catholic faith/ denominational religion. ) The believers carried a heavy responsibility to defend the true faith against all the heretics of the day.
God forbid that Jesus should come and find them asleep, and then they would forfeit their opportunity to enter in with Him to the wedding; or that they should recant in time of persecution and torture -- for all this they needed to be sober and ready.
I mentioned before that the women kept silent in the gathering when the men were teaching the Word of God. However, outside the church meeting, the mature Christian ladies were active in spreading the gospel and they also taught the younger to love their husbands, and love their children. This was not done in word only, but also in deed as they daily set this example before them. You would never find a woman teaching in the assembly, serving as elder/pastor, leading singing, singing special solos, or asking questions during the meeting. She could ask her husband, who could later ask the brethren. None of the brethren held "degrees" or were elevated above another in being called "doctor", "master", "rabbi", reverend or the like. They were all brothers filling their proper roles in the body, and Jesus was the only "head" and "Master". When everyone is content to fill their role, there is harmony and productivity in the body.
Every saint had a giving heart as they gave as the Lord had prospered them. Their money was used to take care of the widows within the church which had no younger family to do it; to support missionary gospel work; to help the poor brethren at home or in other churches; and to help support the workers so they could give themselves continually to ministry work and prayer, like the apostles. Elders followed Paul's example, and helped support themselves with the labor of their hands. There was not a "clergy"- "laity" distinction, as all the brethren were all "disciples". They were not building centered but Christ centered. There was multiple elders (what we would call pastors) and deacons who were godly men that oversaw the proceedings. They did this more from the power of influence and example, than of the authority of position - though they did have authority when standing on a biblical principle to guide the body.
Yes, this is a simple picture of the order of the early church. They were not worldly or connected to the carnal culture around them. The people had crucified their affections and lusts, and were not fashioning themselves according to the former lusts in their ignorance. They lived holy and obedient for the Lord daily. Their money, time, material things, efforts and their every day was for Jesus Christ and His glory.
They were holy, separated people, but we humble. They welcomed the poor man in his rags. They preached to the publican and harlots, as Jesus and the Apostles had taught them, and were always ready to help the repentant. James had told them to never treat a rich man who came to their meeting better than a poor man in rags. Nor did they come to church to show off their riches and fashion. They lived simple and plain in protest to the worldly minded fashion and money hungry society around them.
They labored under adverse conditions, and history shows their success and heroic existence. They were truly hated of all nations, because they testified, like Jesus, that men's deeds were evil, and must be repented of. Many of them died and sealed their preaching with their own blood, just as the Apostles who taught them and Jesus, their Lord. Their holy lives were a continual prick to consciences around them. This provoked persecution and mocking. They were calling men to reconcile with God on God's terms; and this often ignites hatred and resistance from the rebellious.
IS THIS CHRISTIANITY LOST?
Not at all! Jesus will have a faithful remnant until He returns. There are believers today striving to live by the example of the early churches. God has always had a remnant of faithful followers. You can trace their existence often by the blood of martyrdom; but always by a life of holiness and godliness in submission to Jesus Christ.
These believers today are scattered through the world. You won't find them on the "Christian" TV, or radio. You won't read about them in the "top ten" best sellers at the "Christian book store". You will know them by the simple, holy life they are trying to live. Usually the most visible thing is the women's modest dress and veiled head. (Click HERE to read about headcoverings.) The men also dress modest, plain, and when doing spiritual business always uncover their heads; but this is not so noticeable today.
I'm not saying that all churches with head veils on the women are like first century churches; but if these factors are not there then you can be sure they are not like first century churches.
God has a remnant today as he always has. If you are a true follower of Jesus you must separate from practices and groups that do not follow New Testament example and walk in all the light God gives you. If your body is willing to change and follow the New Testament example, then stay with it and help it; but if not, then you must leave it. ( See 2 Corinthians 6:17 )
You'll not find many things in the New Testament Church that you will find in man's modern religion today. You won't find programs, gyms, coffee bars, bookstores, "child evangelism" or "child baptism" or sports scores. You will find child training by parents who fear God. These parents won't send their children to a public school; but see it as a God given responsibility to bring up their own children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. As stated earlier, you won't find Calvinism, "eternal security", youth activities (family activities instead), or sinful lifestyles tolerated and excused. In a true NT body you should not find anything spiritually that you wouldn't find in the first century faithful churches. And, by God's grace, you'll find everything there you need to grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You may not find a crowd, as a remnant is never agreeable to the main stream. You won't find the fleshly security of endorsement from the "big names" of the day, as even Jesus didn't receive that; but actually spoke against it. We are to go with Him without the camp bearing his reproach, even as He has born our sin and reproach.
But, if you truly want the straight and narrow way, seek the Word of God, the company of the other faithful remnant, and the saving faith once delivered to the saints. Until Jesus comes, let us be watchful, lest he come and find us sleeping!
"And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." Luke 3:9
Lets us know how we can assist you in anyway.
[email protected]
608-547-8162
dontperish.com