Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

When pondering the early church as depicted in the New Testament, feelings of envy often arise. This congregation, known for astonishing miracles and an unyielding community spirit, experienced God’s presence in profound ways. With the apostles’ first sermons leading to 3,000 conversions and healings manifesting through mere shadows, their lives were saturated with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Such tangible demonstrations of faith bring one question to the forefront: Why is this kind of movement not the norm in our contemporary churches today?

A Look Back at the Early Church

The early church, as portrayed primarily in the book of Acts, was characterized by extraordinary occurrences. In Acts 2:44-45, we read, “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.” Their actions exemplified a profound understanding of the cost of discipleship; they realized the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice and thus were wholly committed to one another.
Conversely, many modern congregations appear to lack this fervor and sense of grand community. Often, our philanthropy can barely stretch to covering the cost of coffee for a friend, let alone the commitment required to sell our possessions for those in need. Why does this disparity exist?

The Unchanging Nature of God

One potential argument is that the early believers had direct contact with Christ. They witnessed His miracles and were first-hand recipients of His teachings. Today, we may feel disconnected from the power that they experienced, believing that their anointing was exclusive to their proximity to Jesus. However, Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” If God doesn’t change, then what has?
The answer may lie within the hearts of believers themselves. The early church comprehended the cost of their salvation fully. They witnessed the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ firsthand. Romans 5:6-9 articulates this beautifully, stating, “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” The beauty and depth of grace displayed by Christ should provoke a response from us, one that leads to an all-consuming love for both God and others.

The Call to Extravagant Love

When examined closely, the depth of their understanding reveals a key aspect of their daily lives: extravagant love. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” This “scandalous grace,” as some might call it, compels us to live lives marked by love, sacrifice, and community.
A friend of mine once highlighted a profound truth: “The one who has been forgiven much will forgive much.” This speaks volumes about our understanding of sin and sacrifice. We tend to underestimate both the depth of our sin and the price that Jesus paid for our redemption. When we truly grasp the weight of our sin in light of the immeasurable sacrifice He made on the cross, our perspective on salvation transforms. We no longer take our calling or our anointing for granted.
It’s too easy for us to assume we deserve the gifts of grace; yet, in reality, our salvation is an unparalleled gift we could never earn or deserve. Recognizing that it is only through the blood of Jesus Christ that we can claim salvation and walk in healing shifts our attitude toward the Church and His purpose for us. The lack of visible movements of God today compared to the early acts of the apostles stems from a common belief that we have it all figured out. We become comfortable in complacency and compromise, which breeds a half-hearted faith. Jesus calls us to a more passionate, rooted experience.

Counting the Cost

Jesus warns us to “count the cost” of discipleship. Following Him is not a path of ease; He emphasizes that it requires denying oneself, taking up one’s cross daily, and living a life of sacrifice. Yet, what we receive in return is immeasurable compared to anything we might surrender. Through this selflessness, we discover forgiveness, experience His love poured abundantly into our lives, and walk in the marvelous freedom He extends to us.
Moreover, we become joint heirs with Him, stepping into authority and dominion. As sons and daughters of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, we inherit a legacy of power and love. The question remains: Are we ready for this? Do we genuinely desire to experience more of what God has in store for us?

Power and Authority of the Holy Spirit

In the past, Jesus was physically present with His disciples. It’s a common misconception that this is a privilege lost in the modern world. However, the remarkable truth is that through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, believers today can carry the same anointing that empowered the early church.
James 1:17 states, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” The gift of the Holy Spirit is a perfect gift, yet many continue to live fractured lives, lacking the strength and courage exemplified by the early believers. If we allow ourselves to be filled with the Spirit daily, we gain access to a life filled with His power and authority.
So why is there such a vast chasm between the lives exemplified in Acts and our present-day realities? It may stem from a fragmented understanding of our identity in Christ—the same identity that empowers us to engage in acts of love, servitude, and sacrifice.

Overcoming Doubt and Fear

The problem often lies in our own hearts. Through fear and doubt, we become entangled in a cycle of brokenness that silences our faith. We may think, “I’m not good enough,” or “What difference can I make?” Such questioning leads us to resign, diminishing our zeal for God’s calling.
Yet, it is important to remember that throughout history, God has always utilized flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes. Moses had a speech impediment, David was an adulterer, and Paul was a persecutor of Christians. Despite their shortcomings, God transformed their lives and equipped them for His incredible work. Today, you too can embrace the same transformative love and fire seen in the early church.

Restoration to Authentic Community

To step into a world where God is moving as seen in Acts, we need a restoration of authentic community. The church today needs to return to the principles that undergirded the early believers—their mutual dependence, generosity, and shared love for one another. We must create an environment where we meet the needs of the community, fueled by a deep knowledge of the price Jesus paid for our redemption.
This communal spirit can only flourish when our hearts are in alignment with His will. We must seek an encounter with God that revitalizes our faith and compels us to respond to His love with the same fervor embodied by early Christians.

The Journey Forward

First, we must challenge our perspectives and recalibrate our focus on God’s unchanging nature. As we delve deeper into understanding His love, we become empowered to compile our lives in a way that reflects His glory.
Secondly, let us reject complacency and desire to be vessels for His work. When we immerse ourselves in prayer, scripture, and communal relationships, we open the door to the Holy Spirit’s transformative work within us, enabling us to empower and uplift those within our reach.
Finally, let us foster relationships characterized by sacrificial love and accountability. Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who support our growth can help us bear the burdens of others and witness the church as a dynamic body, reflecting the unity that the early church embodied.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the early church stirs within us a longing for something more—a deep hunger for God’s presence and His transformative power. It’s time for us to shake off the hesitance of our hearts and grasp the foundational truths of our identity in Christ. The Holy Spirit’s power dwells within us, inviting us to live as more than conquerors.
By embracing our calling to love God, love others, and act as vessels of His grace, we can cultivate a vibrant, alive church that echoes the miracles, love, and communal spirit experienced by the believers in Acts. Indeed, the world is waiting for His body to come alive once more. The question is, are we ready to step out of complacency and compromise, lay it all down at His feet, and witness the extraordinary work He has planned for us? Are we ready to pay the price and, in return, receive a life of forgiveness, love, healing, authority, and purpose? The choice is ours to make.