I would liken the characteristics of the early church as a healthy spiritual body whose head is Jesus Christ Himself.
Below are the physiological characteristics of this spiritual body as gleaned from the mentioned scriptural verses:
1) The head
Acts 4:32 says that the believers "were of one heart and one soul". They were focused on Jesus, the head (Eph 5:23; Col 1:18). The body is connected to the central commander that allows for smooth, coordinated execution of the various functions of the healthy body. Imagine if the individual organ parts want to execute functions autonomously and independently from the central nervous system that controls and coordinates them.
2) The heart
The heart pumps and distribute blood and supply of oxygen and nutrients to the various organs according to their requirement, functions and metabolism. The organs that require more will be distributed more. The heart will ensure each organ does not lack the needed blood supply. At the same time, the heart does not pump excessively more than what is required by that particular organ. In certain critical conditions such as bleeding, the body can also redistribute blood from one organ to another organ that requires more. The organ that has more blood reserve cannot hoard the excessive blood and refuses to give out its blood reserve when another organ critically needs it for its own survival.
Acts 4:34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked
Acts 2:44-45 all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone has need.
3) The limbs
The limbs of the church are actively working to extend the love of Christ to all people.
That's why Acts 2:44 says (the church is) .....having favor with all the people
The limbs also exercise daily to keep the body healthy just like the church exercise their faith daily as in Acts 2:46 says (they)...continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house.
4) The gut
The gut needs to absorbs essential nutrients and not junks. The church has a good intake of spiritual diet
Acts 2:42 continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers
5) The immune system
The immune system mounts up a immune defense at the first instance of detecting a threat that can harm the body.
Acts 6:1 records an internal conflict between two groups of Jews in the body - the Hebraic and the Hellenists. This conflict if not contained, is a threat that can drive a wedge that divides the church. The church does not neglect it or allow it to spread even though it may seem "petty" as compared to the "bigger" plan of winning souls through evangelism.
No comments:
Post a Comment