Let me give you a little breakdown of how the early church ran compared to now. Back then every person in the faith, which were called Christians, were all doing the will of the Father. They were praying for more salvations and glorified God in all that they did. You can see this in Acts, chapter 11. First Peter told them about the vision he had about the sheet of animals, which God told him to kill and eat. Then, he explained, “and, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house: And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” (Acts 11:11-18) What great examples of how to live for God. Truly, the Holy Spirit was their guide as it should be now.
So we see people who were excited about witnessing the truths of God to everyone. It even brought them great joy to see the gospel be spread throughout the gentiles, which are all of us, who are not Jews. But is this the same type of church now? For the most part No. Only in certain places around the earth and in certain churches and homes are people still living this way for God. These small groups of people are all about spreading the gospel to the four corners of the earth, along with witnessing to every person in their city and town. Among these wonderful churches are homeless ministries, which go out on the weekends to feed the homeless, along with pray with them and witness the gospel also. And there heart to read the Bible, pray, worship, and serve God continues day in and day out, outside the church walls. These same people mean it when they say they are Christians, for their lifestyle is truly meaningful to their faith. However, as I said, these types of people, including myself and good friends of mine, are few and hard to find. What we see today are churchgoers, but not followers of Jesus. Their walk for Christ is counted on a few hours at church and that is all. And what they do during the week really speaks to who they serve, which is not God, but the things of this world. This is true, my friends. And it is my prayer that people wake up before it is too late. If people are not being led by the Holy Spirit and desiring to be a light for Jesus, they are walking in darkness. This is not a life saved in God’s kingdom.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, why is it that the church I know today is so different now? How most people who attend church only live for You while in those walls, but outside of them they are totally different people. This makes no sense and does not resemble the church I see while reading the books of the New Testament. Surely, the New Testament church people earnestly loved You and followed You also. It showed how they lived their lives and sought You often in prayer, fellowship, reading Your Words, and doing as You says. After giving my life to You over six years ago now, my life has not been the same, I also desire to live like the early disciples, but it is hard to find others in the faith who have the same heart like mine. So many people called me a Jesus freak, which is very sad to see. All I wish to do is shine the light that You have given me, and instead, these people don’t see any good but mock me instead. Wow! This generation has become so closed-minded to even speak of their faith in You to others. So many people are now saying to leave them alone for their religion to private to them. And others only go to church on the weekends but have no time for You during the week. Other things in their lives take their precious time away from You, which is so sad. Truly, my heart is burning to serve You every minute and every hour of each day. It is just hard to find another person in the city limits who desires to go out with me and witness the truths of the gospel to the lost. So I pray that You will lead me to people who are ready to follow You. I love You, God. Amen.
