Saturday
Saturday
The Marks of a Living Church
They … ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.
Acts 2:46–47
Looking back over the four marks of a living church, which Luke has singled out, it is now clear that they concern the relationships of the early Christians. Firstly, they were related to the apostles. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching. They sat at the apostles’ feet and submitted to their authority. A living church is an apostolic church, committed to believe and obey the teaching of the apostles.
Secondly, they were related to each other. They devoted themselves to the fellowship. They loved each other. A living church is a caring church. Thirdly, they were related to God. They worshiped God in the breaking of bread and the prayers, formally and informally, with joy and with reverence. A living church is a worshiping church.
Fourthly, they were related to the world. They reached out in witness and mission. A living church is an evangelizing church.
Some years ago in the capital city of a Latin American republic I was introduced to a group of Christian students who had dropped out of the church. They called themselves Cristianos Descolgados, “unhooked Christians.” They had visited every church in their city and had been unable to find what they were looking for. What was that? To my astonishment, without knowing Luke’s picture, they went straight through his four marks. They were looking for a church in which
There is no need for us to wait for the Holy Spirit to come. He did come on the day of Pentecost, and he has never left the church. But we need to humble ourselves before him and seek his fullness, direction, and power. For then our churches will at least approximate to Luke’s beautiful ideal in apostolic teaching, loving fellowship, living worship, and outgoing, ongoing evangelism.
For further reading: Acts 2:37–47