Sunday, February 20, 2022

A Beautiful Picture of the Church (Acts 14:21-23)

Everything is here in one passage, which I studied in my Bible time this morning -- Acts 14:21-23. 

Here is the church as it should be -- preaching the Good News, making many disciples, helping the believers to grow in their love for God and each other, encouragement to continue in the faith in spite of persecution and to enter the Kingdom of God through many tribulations, appointing elders in every church, praying with fasting, turning the people over to the care of the Lord in whom they had trusted (a rare pluperfect in Greek). I am tempted to write another book on the marks of a New Testament church. It would wreck the theology of some culture warriors who think that by appeasing the crowds they can grow the church. But earnestness is not unction. We are conformed to the age but not to the image of God's Son. What we ought to do has been magnified above who we are in Christ. This is a far cry from facing a holy and righteous God, confessing our sins, trusting the Savior and obeying him as Lord. 

The early Christians wore scars. We wear medals. What wounds do you have to show that you've been in battle?