The early church was a true witness for Christ, full of power (by the Holy Ghost), turning the world upside down with their testimony, making a difference for Christ.
Act 2:42-47 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
And
Act 4:31-37 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
The church today is a fractured institution, lacking power, with a testimony that besmirches the person/work/worth of the Lord it says it loves. She is seen quibbling, entering into endless disputations, vain janglings, foolish arguments, self-promotion. She is the Bride of Christ, yet she brings disrepute to the Bridegroom. She has hidden her light under a bushel. She has failed to salt the earth with the disinfectant of the Gospel and the love of Christ. She “has a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” She is neither hot or cold, having forsaken her first Love.
We would do well to be instructed from the scriptures (and not our own wise insights on them) as to how to gather for worship in His Name, how to prophesy in His Name, how to fellowship in His Name, how to pray in His Name—and how to serve in His Name.
Thank you.
Thank you.