Beginning of Christian movement teaches many lessons by David Hubbard The earliest beginnings of a movement are often important indicators as to what is in store to come. History has shown time and time again that despotic rulers and regimes start with bloody purges of all opponents. Once firmly in control the use of terror and oppression is practiced to keep the populace in check. Such political movements entrench themselves with power making any internal efforts to modify or change them virtually impossible. Even social movements show at the start what activities and actions that will follow. If people are treated only as pawns in the early growth and development of the movement, they will be treated as pawns later on when the movement has gained strength and momentum. Some two thousand years ago the Christian movement began. It did not begin with slashing swords and burning arrows in a savage conquest of people with opposing views. Rather it began as a movement of love and spiritual concern for the lost souls of mankind. It’s very interesting to see what the early believers in Christ did as a result of their radical faith in Jesus. Luke, the historian and writer of Acts, gives us a detailed picture of how the early Christians responded. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47) Notice the four important activities the early believers devoted themselves to. First was the apostles’ teaching or instruction. They spent time at the feet of the apostles learning about Jesus and all the vital aspects of the Christian life. Today this would mean study in the New Testament. Secondly they devoted themselves to being together often. This was called ‘fellowship.’ It is continued today as believers in Christ come together to encourage and strengthen one another. The third activity, the ‘breaking of bread,’ can refer to meals the brothers and sisters in Christ enjoyed with each other or to the taking of the Communion meal in remembrance of the death of Christ and what that means to those who believe. Today these are a vital part of the Christian experience. Finally they devoted themselves to prayer. Prayer is communication with the Almighty.
Posted on: Sat, 06 Dec 2014 13:31:00 +0000
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