The Church Triumphant! by Chris Leeper

 

GOD Note
 

The Church Triumphant!

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47

The New Testament Church grew and matured through:

·  Encountering the power of the cross, and not through eloquent words (1 Cor 1:17)

·  By being consumed by GOD’s love “For the love of Christ compels us…” (2 Cor 5:14)

·  Abiding in GOD’s Word (John 8:31)

·  Discipling through relationship, “… I admonish you as my beloved children.” (1 Cor 4:14)

·  Blessing and not cursing, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” (Rom 12:14)

·  Being led by the HOLY SPIRIT, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Rom 8:14-15)

·  Trusting in the grace of GOD to cleanse them from all sin (1 John 1:7)

·  Continual prayer, “pray without ceasing” (1 Thes. 5:17)

·  Worship that encountered the presence of GOD (John 4:23)

·  Intimate fellowship with each other and eating together with glad hearts (Act 2:42-47)

·  Changed lives that modeled CHRIST “…as he is so also are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17)

·  By trusting in CHRIST’s blood, sharing their testimony, and being willing to die for HIM, “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” (Rev 12:11)

·  Signs, wonders, and healings, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)

Lastly, they kept the church pure by judging the sin inside the body and removing those who would not repent and turn from their worldly ways.”…I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. Purge the evil person from among you.” (1 Cor 5:11-13) 

In one generation, the New Testament Church reached the known world. However, I must say, all of this came about by a radical transformation through salvation and an encounter with the HOLY SPIRIT. They did not just follow principles to success: They were filled and longed for GOD's fullness, which directed them to follow the above ways. May we learn from them and do what they did to be personally awakened, and to reach our nation and the world.

“FATHER, YOU gave us a model in the New Testament, and since then, there has not been a better one. Bring us back to YOUR intent for the gospel and YOUR Church. Move our hearts and our minds to the place where YOU are. Let us believe that things can change drastically and that YOU make all things new. Awaken us again and lead us back to the New Testament ways. In JESUS’ name amen.”