I recently went to the launch of my friend’s new church…I was hoping it would be different, I was hoping it would be a new testament modeled church, as opposed to more of the same religious tradition. I was disappointed when the 1.5 hour long service went as feared – welcoming, 3 “worship” songs, sermon, 1 more “worship” song, the passing of buckets for money, announcements, dismissal.
It may just be me, but I am realizing more and more how off base our “system” of Christianity is, especially when it comes to our Sunday morning services.
Here are some of the primary scriptures about what the new testament church should look like….
Acts 2:46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread [as]from house to house, they were taking their [at]meals together with gladness and [au]sincerity of heart,47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding [av]to their number day by day those who were being saved.
1 Tim. 4:13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the [f]presbytery.
Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church
1 Thess. 5:16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic [l]utterances.
Acts 13:2 While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Acts 20:17 “…called to him the elders of the church… 28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you [q]overseers, to shepherd the church of God…”
Yesterday I believe God gave me a vision of what the new church structure (the biblical church of the first century) might look like once historic revival sweeps the global Church in the coming months…
Anywhere from 5-50 Christians together in a room, maybe Sunday morning, maybe Tuesday night, maybe Thursday afternoon, maybe all of the above. They, together in one spirit, ask Jesus to speak to them. They begin to sing a song of praise, then someone begins to pray, someone else begins to sing another song, everyone joins in. One of the God-confirmed prophets begins to declare what God has for the coming month, then someone else cries out a prayer. The God-confirmed teacher begins to give a 10 minute teaching on the prophet Joel. Several minutes later, the evangelist brings in a new-born Christian from the streets, they baptize him in water, then the whole assembly lays their hands on him and prays for him. Some more singing, praying, and teaching, then they all eat together.
This is all repeated (in varying order, length of time, and locations) several times throughout the week.
The meetings are organized and directed by Jesus and the Holy Spirit – freedom reigns as the Spirit of the Lord presides.
You messaged me via Twitter asking for me to RT your post which I did. I then stumbled upon this blog and read a few postings. I have to say your quotes and words made me feel better tonight. I’ve been tested myself lately and going through some issues that shall soon pass. Just wanted to let you know that your writings touched me and I was glad to see another young person thinking the same way as me. It’s difficult to find in today’s society…
Thank you for the encouragement Heather – you are a true blessing!
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