Living Truth

What can We learn from the First Century Church? Part 9

April 7, 2025 / Dan Beaty / 3 Comments

Let’s talk about Parachurch

First of all, what is “parachurch?” The Greek word “para” means “alongside.” So the idea is that there are services by groups who are not specifically The Church, but exist to support the work of The Church. These are categorized as parachurch. They come alongside to help The Church. A good example would be organizations like Campus Crusade For Christ, or Food For the Hungry. These are not churches, but the efforts of Christians who are part of The Church, the Body of Christ. They believe they are called to focus on things like sharing the Gospel on college campuses, or feeding people in poorer countries in the love of Christ. Other known parachurch ministries would include Celebrate Recovery, which focusses on the needs of people who are recovering from “hangups, habits and hurts,” and even the more recent efforts to share the Gospel through the making of high quality movies like “The Chosen,” and “The House of David.”

From the beginning there were practical concerns that required some organization. In Jerusalem the church grew rapidly to about 5,000. In Acts chapter 6, the need arose for seven men to be chosen to oversee the care of the widows. It should not surprise us that over the centuries the need for other practical services would arise. From the New Testament we also see that men like Barnabas and Saul (Paul) had to leave the comfort of their local church when the Holy Spirit sent them out to the greater Mediterranean world to preach the Gospel of Christ. While they did receive support originally from Antioch, it is evident that they were on their own much of the time. Paul actually had his own trade which provided for his needs and those of his companions (Acts 18:3, 20:33-35, 1 Thessalonians 2:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:8-10). While missionaries like Barnabas, Paul, and Silas are not known as “parachurch” ministries, it is helpful to view them as “workers” whose extended reach is distinct from that of the local church setting.

Two thousand years later and around the world, the concept of parachurch ministries has proliferated. Ideally these should not compete with The Church of Jesus Christ. However, some church leaders are concerned that this competition might exist at times. At this point I am going to suggest something that might be even outrageous to many. One of the greatest hindrances to the vitality of the real Church of Jesus Christ, the community of born-again believers in the world today, can often be our understanding of the many institutions we call churches!

Please understand that I am not challenging the need for organizations and even denominations. Many of these have a purpose in God’s plan that I do not need to understand. They have served the needs of people for hundreds of years. However, the bible is very clear in describing the Church of Jesus Christ and how it functions.

The word that is translated “church” in most of our English bibles is from the Greek word “ecclesia,” or “assembly.” In New Testament times this word often applied to regular official gatherings (Acts 19:39), and at times agitated crowds that have gathered for different reasons (Acts 19:41). The first mention of the church in the New Testament is in the Gospel according to Matthew:

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
NKJV (Matthew 16:13-18)

The building that Jesus is referring to is not composed of brick, mortar, or wood. It is composed of individuals who are supernaturally joined together in Him! (Ephesians 2:18-22) It is founded upon the revelation that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God! Only individuals who have repented and are born again by faith in Jesus are members of this living organism called the Body of Christ! (Acts 2:38, 47, Ephesians 1:20-23) By One Spirit they are baptized into this One Body of Christ! (1 Corinthians 12:12-14) Only Jesus Himself is the Head of His body and He lives His life within each individual for His Eternal Purpose.

He has placed servants in His assembly whom He has prepared to lead by the example of their godly lives. Their devotion to Him and His people qualify them far more than their education and human abilities. They are more like fathers and mothers than CEO’s of corporations. The Church is their family, addressing one another as brothers and sisters, equally important in the eyes of God their Heavenly Father.

This is the Real Church.

In his book, “The Community of the King,” Howard Snyder puts forth the proposition that everything that is not of the essence of the Church as the redeemed people of God should be acknowledged as parachurch activity. He makes the outlandish suggestion that all institutions, including denominational structures, interdenominational structures, and non-denominational structures be included in the above category of parachurch organizations.

Personally, I have struggled with the very existence of Institutional Christianity in all of its forms. But after reading this book and also after serious observation, I believe that a paradigm shift such as the one Snyder proposes could be the solution to many of our problems today.

We love to quote the “Solas,” of the Protestant Reformation: sola scriptura (Scripture alone), solus Christus (Christ alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), and soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone). At the same time we have forgotten where the Scriptures, Christ, His grace, and faith would lead us— to a better understanding of the character and nature of the Church of Jesus Christ, His Body and the precious members of that body. This better understanding, and the genuine practice of this understanding, would certainly bring glory to God alone!

This building is made of up of living stones who make up a spiritual house, and a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:5-9). These precious believers are not simply “butts in the seats,” to supply “bucks” in the offering plate, to build fantastic edifices and empires for the glory of Christian super stars! However God wants to use these things, they are not the Real Church, the Body of Christ, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all!

What can we learn from the First Century Church? Part 8

April 5, 2025 / Dan Beaty / 0 Comments

The Servant’s Heart

Why should it be important for us today to consider the First Century Church? My primary reason for this consideration is that I care about the church of Jesus Christ. Some wonderful things are happening today but I also see some dangerous trends these days. After 50 years of observation I have come to the strong conclusion that many of our problems stem from our lack of attention to the original plan of Christ Himself. The men who were personally trained by Jesus had an advantage over us. And yet, God has wonderfully preserved in the bible the results of their experience for our learning!

Hence my enthusiasm for this discussion.

On the other side I would ask this question: Why would we not want to learn from the First Century Church?

Each time I have read through the book we call the Acts of the Apostles, I have been challenged and inspired by the passion, the courage and the power I see in the lives of these followers of Christ. Each messenger of the Gospel had a personal encounter with Jesus that they were able to communicate to others, and to pass along to them. Their enthusiasm was contagious. I want that for myself and all of my fellow believers. I believe we can possess it because God has communicated to us in the New Testament that it is for us as well.

For approximately 3 1/2 years, Jesus took special time with 12 men who were called to be His ambassadors, His apostles. He taught them lessons in private that were not a part of His public discourses. This special attention might have gone to their heads. Feeling privileged and important they began to contend with one another as to who among them would be the greatest.

But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” NKJV (Mark 10:42-45, see also Matthew 20:25 & Luke 22:24-27)

Here and in other passages Jesus establishes Himself as the prime example of a humble servant and even a slave to others (John 13:13-15, 1 Peter 2:21-22). Likewise leaders in the Christian community were also to lead in this example themselves. (1 Timothy 4:12, 1 Peter 5:1-6).

This is in stark contrast to many leaders in the world, and even in the church throughout history! How much of true intimacy with Christ are we missing when we fail to experience the joy of serving others as He did?

Jesus knew that his disciples would not become servants of all overnight. This is seen in a conversation He had with John’s disciples.

Matthew 9:14-17:

14 Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?”

15 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

16 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17 Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
NIV

Many Old Testament prophecies were about to be fulfilled. Great changes were to take place involving the people of God. John the Baptist and Jesus had both been tearing up the roots of idolatry, pride, rebellion, and unbelief in their hearts.

His 12 apostles were not excepted from this process. At this time they were riding high in the success of His mission. The Bridegroom, their Prince was among them, but not for long. He warned them in advance, but they could not hear it. When He was eventually taken from them they were shocked, humiliated, disillusioned, and broken up by the death of their Messiah on a cross.

An old covenant system of worship was on its way out, but the old attitudes and habits of the followers of Jesus also needed to go. These confident young men were about to be used of God to lead this new revolution of faith. They must first learn to transfer all of their confidence from themselves to God. Jesus told them that without Him they could do nothing!

How many of us can identify with this experience? Have you also been brought low by your failures, or the disappointments of life? Have you by God’s grace persevered through it all until the light at the end of the tunnel was seen? Then, when it was all over and a new day became clear, were you also in a better place than ever before?

Can we possibly walk with these First Century believers through the time when their dreams were utterly destroyed? Then, can we embrace with them the unspeakable joy and wonder at His glorious resurrection and escape from a guarded tomb? They could never be the same again. Even though they still did not understand the manner by which His Kingdom would come, it did not matter now! He is risen and alive forevermore!

When they received the promised power from on high and were filled unto overflowing with the Holy Spirit, this time it did not boost their egos. Instead they knew their weaknesses and His power better than before. They became the new wineskin which contained the blessing of the new wine of the Holy Spirit.

In my lifetime I have many times seen the blessing of God upon us as we gather unto Him. At the same time I have also seen the failure of old wineskins to contain the blessings He offers. In our pride we have tried to steer the ship to where we wanted it to go. We have held fast to our man-made traditions that too often serve our pride and egos. We have learned how to please people first in order to gain their support for our vision for our church.

Very recently I have once more witnessed the failure of old wineskins to contain the wine and have seen them spitting open themselves at great loss. We desperately need to return to humility and the simplicity of the First Century Church! Are we willing to receive a fresh vision of Christ in His Church? Are we also willing to give of ourselves with Servant Hearts to build up others in His Kingdom?

Think about it!

What can we learn from the First Century Church? Part 7

March 11, 2025 / Dan Beaty / 0 Comments

The Simplicity of Christ

Jesus once asked His disciples, “Who do YOU think I am?” It was Peter who answered, “You are the Christ (Messiah, Anointed One), Son of the Living God!” Jesus then acknowledged that no human could have made this fact known unto Peter. While many realized that Jesus was at least one of God’s prophets, this ability to see beyond the surface of this humble human being was a gift from God. It was a divine revelation!

This was an important moment for Peter. He was beginning to understand heavenly things and this understanding would grow over time. This impetuous fisherman would eventually become an important ambassador for the Kingdom of God. His testimony inspires millions to this day. To Peter and many others, it was all about Jesus. Peter had been raised on the stories of his ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David and others. Now this faith was personally His. He had an encounter with the One around whom all these stories were centered.

From the beginning, the people of God have tended to forget this truth. Life often became centered around rules and rituals that were designed to remind them of Him. They would often forget the reason for which He made them and called them unto Himself, so God would raise up individuals to remind them and call them back to genuine faith.

In a few generations this happened to the followers of Christ as well. As their numbers grew, the complexity of the Christian faith grew as well. The simplicity of gathering in His Name for fellowship, prayer and sharing His life together began to fade, and with it the glory of His manifest presence. This in turned weakened their influence in the outside world.

Forms and rituals began to take center place. Again, these forms and rituals were designed to remind them of Him (Luke 22:19), but without that personal revelation of the Living Christ, they became an end in themselves. He would not abandon His people. From time to time God would again raise up individuals that were filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit to challenge the status quo. It is these periods of what some call “revival” that have kept this faith alive over the centuries.

Sadly, some communities of believers today have become so cold that anyone so touched by the power and presence of God is viewed as a fanatic. They have become so comfortable in their predictable forms that any challenge to them is to be resisted. Does that sound familiar? Has anyone read the four Gospels and Acts lately? On the other side, some have become so experience oriented that they forget about their relationship with Jesus Himself, as they seek more for signs and wonders.

Paul saw the danger of these distractions. He knew that Satan would continue his distracting work. He called everyone back to the simplicity of Christ. He insisted that the greatest of all gifts and virtues is love. It must be the love that God has placed in our hearts for Him and one another that motivates everything we do. Yes, we need to learn from the bible and grow in the truth, but if we miss the point of the bible, Who is Jesus Christ, we miss eternal life as well. (2 Corinthians 11:1-3, 1 Corinthians 13, John 17:3).

Before the First Century was complete, Jesus called the formidable church at Ephesus back to her First Love. (Revelations 2:1-5) These people were working hard to stand against evil and to preserve the orthodox faith. Jesus commended them for this, and yet He had this complaint against them. Only repentance and a return to that first pure love would preserve their testimony on the earth.

Lord, set us all free from our own little kingdoms that we struggle to preserve. Help us to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness. Call us back to simple faith and devotion to You! Help us to genuinely love one another as You love us!

What can we learn from the First Century Church? Part 6 – The New Wineskin

February 25, 2025 / Dan Beaty / 2 Comments

The First Century Church was not without it’s own problems and difficulties. It is important that we learn from it’s weaknesses as well. At the same time the proof that God was at work then has stood the test of time. I am personally convinced that the only power the early Christians had was their total dependency upon Jesus Christ. The time the apostles and disciples of Jesus spent with Him was used to purge every sense of self-reliance they possessed. Finally the shock of the Cross brought them to their lowest point.

It would be difficult to comprehend what they must have felt when hearing that He had risen from the dead! Some did not believe at first. When He fully revealed Himself to them their lives would never be the same. Jesus was preparing in them a New Wineskin which would not split open and waste the wine which symbolized the Holy Spirit. The foundation, the Rock upon which the early church was built was this realization of Who Jesus was! He is the Creator and Lord of all! They would continue to learn and grow in their dependence upon Him, and the power of the Holy Spirit would affirm their faith again and again. (Luke 5:34-39, Matthew 16:17-18)

Millions of believers in Christ are fully blessed and satisfied in their church experience today. Some, however, are beginning to hunger for what they have read about in the book of the Acts of the Apostles. They have seen God bless His people again and again, only to see the interference of prideful humans. Now they are looking for a New Wineskin, one that will preserve both the wine (Spiritual vitality) and the wineskin (believing community).

Is this wishful thinking, or unbridled idealism? You decide for yourself. I for one have caught a glimpse of His glorious Church, with the saints equipped for serving, building up the Body of Christ, until we all come to the unity of the faith, unto the Knowledge of the Son of God, unto a maturity, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ! (Ephesians 4:11-13)

What can we learn for the First Century Church? Part 5

February 18, 2025 / Dan Beaty / 2 Comments

The church in the book of Acts did not have telephones or the printing press, let alone radio, tv and the internet. Yet after Jesus ascended their numbers grew from the 120 that gathered in Jerusalem to 5,000 in a short time. Within 3 centuries Christianity became a dominant force in the Roman Empire. God has often chosen to use the few and the weak according to this world. He has also chosen to use you in a special capacity that belongs to you alone!

Do not believe the lie that you are insignificant! The Creator of the entire universe is calling you to turn from serving your will and the will of others to serving Him and His glorious purpose in the Kingdom of God! Trust Him today! You have a part in building a better world as He prepares you and molds you into His image. You can be a part in His Church, His body, that is crashing down the gates of hell!

Lately I have been looking to the New Testament and particularly the book of Acts and comparing the practices and methods of the early church with those of today. I would challenge you to do the same. Is it possible that our traditions and patterns of thinking have placed a heavy load on us that God never intended? Could these traditions and patterns of thinking actually hinder us from enjoying life in the fullness of God’s wonderful plan?

Jesus challenges us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Him. Maybe not an easy path, but definitely one that will liberate us from the self-centered version of the Gospel that we often hear today. It is only in losing our lives that we truly find our lives fully in Him!

Power Corrupts

February 10, 2025 / Dan Beaty / 2 Comments

Over 500 years ago the Pope in Rome had become very powerful in Europe. The corruption that rose from this power led to an outcry that became known as the Reformation. From that event the Protestant branch of Christianity was formed. Today we have in North America a number of large independent churches whose power rivals that of the Pope in 1500 AD! No, they have not had dissident people tortured or put to death, but they have more power in our culture today than many realize.

Their power is not only in their TV celebrity status and in their great financial wealth. They also command intense loyalty from their followers. To offer the slightest criticism of them could get you marginalized among some groups. If you fail to support them financially or in the respect they feel is due them, you might be made to feel insecure in your relationship with God. If you do not receive physical healing after hearing their teachings, it is assumed that there must be a flaw in your faith.

It does not matter how many moral failures continue without repentance, their followers continue. It is reasoned that the good outweighs the bad, but can anyone be sure about that? Like the rich in Mark 12:44 and Luke 21:4 they will scarcely miss what they give out of their personal millions. At the same time the members of their congregations give a far greater portion of their finances in hopes that God will prosper them as well.

If we allow that the popes of the middle ages had good intentions, perhaps many mega church leaders started out with good motives. I too want to see the poor lifted up from poverty and those who suffer from illnesses healed. I too want to show everyone that Christ loves them and cares about their every need. At the same time I am very willing to accept His sovereignty over His Creation. I will not distort the Gospel to make people like me more or to build a mega ministry.

In fact I thank God that the opportunity to build anything close to a mega church has never come to me. I am as apt to fall into the same temptations that such power brings.

What can we learn for the First Century Church? Part 4

January 27, 2025 / Dan Beaty / 0 Comments

A famous statement in the bible proclaims “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8) For those of us who believe in Him these are powerful and encouraging words. So no matter how discouraging local and world events may seem, He is yet at work in this world and among His people. It has become my conviction that the Hand of God can be seen by those who look for and are expecting Him. He is at work in places and in situations that I may never see. I am thankful that my limitations do not limit Him!

You may have heard this saying: “The largest room in the world is the room for improvement.” By asking the question, “What can we learn from the First Century Church,” I am suggesting that with all of our progress over the past 2,000 years, there might be a great amount of room for improvement in Christian circles. Even Paul, the apostle of Christ sought to put the past behind him and press forward in His pursuit of Christ. (Philippians 4:13-14). How can we so easily settle for less of Him?

At times I have read some of our modern customs and practices into the stories in the book of Acts. Only when I saw how some of these customs and practices created problems, did I go back and re-read the story. I was amazed and shocked to find that many of my traditions are simply not there. Don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting that we today can or should precisely reproduce everything we see in Acts. I am suggesting that we can learn valuable lessons — not only can but should learn from them. That I believe is the very reason the Holy Spirit inspired Luke to write this book!

Acts opens with the last few days that Jesus had with His disciples after His resurrection. Just as it was during the entire last 3 1/2 years of His life and ministry, His concern was things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3). Then, before He was taken up into a cloud, He commanded them to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4) The entire book of Acts could be summed up in these final words:

“And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power, but you shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:7-8)

He had already reminded them of what John the Baptist told them. John came baptizing in water but Jesus would baptize them in the Holy Ghost and fire! Here was the reason for this baptism, this emersion in the Holy Spirit. It was to empower them to live as He lived, bearing witness to His resurrection by lives that show what God intended for us from the beginning!

Everything that follows in the 28 chapters of Acts could only be made possible by the power of the indwelling Spirit of God! They waited until 50 days after the Passover, and the power of the Holy Spirit came. Soon afterwards a great number of hearts were turned to Christ!

In this a principle was established. Jesus would no longer be physically present with His followers, but He would lead them just the same. The key to their success was in their obedience to Him. In Acts and throughout the bible we find examples of people who did not trust in their own abilities but in the mysterious guidance of the Holy Spirit. Lord help us to remember their examples every day, as well as those of the multitudes who up to our day have through faith seen your wonders performed in Your Name.

What can we learn for the First Century Church? Part 3

January 15, 2025 / Dan Beaty / 0 Comments

The story of the work of Jesus Christ in His people has long fascinated and challenged me. I have to admit that as a kid I could not get enough of fantasy stories in movies and comic books that featured heroic acts by individuals with super powers. So naturally I was interested when I learned in the bible about real heroes who trusted in God and were able to accomplish amazing things!

At the same time I felt a disconnect between the Christian world of that time and that which I saw in the bible. Growing up it seemed as though it was more about what we cannot do rather than what we can do through Christ. When I found a church that read, and studied and preached from the book of Acts in the bible I was immediately drawn to it. None of us were super heroes like Samson, David, Daniel, or even Peter and Paul. But that did not stop us from desiring a greater experience of the power of the Holy Spirit.

In that desire the Lord did some wonderful things among us. His presence was very real in our meetings. Over the years we also had some great disappointments. From where I stand, it looks like eventually many lowered their expectations of what God might do supernaturally among us. A few even rationalized that the only supernatural work would be that which takes place within us.

Of course we know that the main focus of Jesus was always on the condition of our hearts. Our prayer is to be for the will of God our Father to be accomplished in earth as it is in heaven. That must first be fulfilled within us by the miracle of the New Birth. It does not end there, however. If heaven enters my heart, my entire life will eventually change. The miracles and the amazing spread of the Gospel in the book of Acts came about through people who were dramatically changed by the power of the Holy Spirit. It was by that same power that they believed and obeyed Christ. What can we learn from them? I submit that like them, we can still hear from God, follow Him, and be empowered to obey Him! Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God!

My hope is that in our day we will revisit the book of Acts with open hearts and minds. By many accounts the Christian church is in decline at least in the West. Yet, there is still the possibility that believers in our day can “turn the world upside down” as did the early Christians. Maybe we can cast off unnecessary practices that have become heavy burdens, and take up the very principles that enabled the early Christians to overcome impossible odds. This is not a boring faith by any means, but an adventure that has continued for thousands of years!

If you are interested in considering more things that the First Century Church could teach us, I hope you will join me in this study by subscribing to my blog at https://livingtruth.com or my Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/livingtruthcom

What can we learn from the First Century Church? Part 2

January 13, 2025 / Dan Beaty / 0 Comments

All Christian groups that consider themselves orthodox agree on 2 things. It is absolutely necessary to them to acknowledge that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. His birth was miraculous. They also insist that Jesus was literally and bodily resurrected from the grave. These and other amazing signs are proof that Jesus is the Son of God, and not simply a wise teacher or a very good man.

The stories of the miracles that Jesus performed are well known even among unbelievers today. In Luke’s second volume of Gospel history many miracles are recorded as well. These are not nearly as well known. In a previous article I shared a quote from the British minister and bible translator, J. B. Phillips. He suggested that the modern church world has reason to become disturbed or uncomfortable by what we see in the New Testament book of Acts.

Could it be possible that we hear less preaching and teaching from the book of Acts because of the challenges the Early Church presents to us? It is so wonderful to think of our lovely Savior and His power to forgive, heal, control nature, atone for our sins and rise from the grave. We quickly cry “heresy” when anyone denies that His miracles were real. He was the Son of God! However, in Acts we see the same power to heal and work miracles in ordinary humans like us!

Not only do we see them healing the sick but we also see other strange behaviors. Today if someone claims that God talked to them we might roll our eyes or even begin to avoid them. In Acts, as in many other biblical passages, it appears very normal for God to give counsel and direction to individuals in various unusual ways. Again, conservative Christians can be very dogmatic in proclaiming that we have a book that came into being by the very fact that God spoke to and through men. Interestingly, some of those same people claim that God would never, ever do that again!

As I look around I have to admit that miracles like those we see in the bible are not as common place today. Then I have to ask myself, “why is that so?” Some offer various explanations to to answer that question, but Jesus gave one explanation to His disciples that might just apply to us today. They asked Him why they could not deliver a certain child from demon possession. His answer was this: It was because of their unbelief. (Matthew 17:19-20).

Instead of making excuses for our shortcomings today, maybe we would do better to share the confession of the father of the boy in that same story, he cried out
“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) I don’t know about you, but I believe that is a prayer that God will answer!

If you are interested in considering things that the First Century Church could teach us, I hope you will join me in this study by subscribing to my blog at https://livingtruth.com or my facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/livingtruthcom

What can we learn from the First Century Church?

January 12, 2025 / Dan Beaty / 0 Comments

The Western World has the story of Jesus Christ embedded in its culture and its history. The four accounts of His life in the New Testament are among the most well-known books in the world today. But what of the events that followed His life, His teachings, His death, resurrection and ascension to heaven?

Today I would submit that the second volume of this story that began in Luke’s gospel has the potential of shaking modern Christianity down to its foundations! In our bibles this book is entitled “Acts,” or “The Acts of the Apostles.”

In the preface of his translation of Acts, “The Young Church In Action,” J.B. Phillips wrote:

“It is impossible to spend several months in close study of the remarkable short book, conventionally known as the Acts of the Apostles, without being profoundly stirred and to be honest, disturbed. The reader is stirred because he is seeing Christianity, the real thing, in action for the first time in human history. The newborn Church, as vulnerable as any human child, having neither money, influence nor power in any ordinary sense, is setting forth joyfully and courageously to win the pagan world for God through Christ. The young Church, like all young creatures, is appealing in its simplicity and its singleheartedness. Here we are seeing the Church in its first youth, valiant and unspoiled — a body of ordinary men and women joined in an unconquerable fellowship never before seen on this earth.

“Yet we cannot help feeling disturbed as well as moved, for this is surely the Church as it was meant to be. It is vigorous and flexible, for these are the days before it . . . . became fat and short of breath through prosperity, or muscle bound by over organization. These men did not make ‘acts of faith’ they believed. They did not ‘say their prayers,’ they really prayed. They did not hold conferences on psychosomatic medicine, they simply healed the sick. But if they were uncomplicated and naive by modern standards, we have ruefully to admit that they were open on the God-ward side in a way that is almost unknown today.”

If anyone is interested in why these comments were made, and want to be challenged by them, I hope you will subscribe to my blog at https://livingtruth.com or my facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/livingtruthcom where we will seek to find what can be learned from the First Century Church!

Judgement or Truth?

January 10, 2025 / Dan Beaty / 2 Comments

It is not hard to be narrow-minded and judgmental. In fact it can be difficult to resist that tendency for some of us. It is even more difficult when surrounded by others who take pleasure in discovering the faults of others.

My mother and a few others who were important in my growing up actively worked to find the good in others and in our circumstances. For that I am grateful to God to this day. However, at times I have felt at times a gnawing sense of responsibility to my fellow human beings that I cannot ignore.

Around the world and for the past 2,000 years people have received Christ within their own cultural contexts. I have learned to accept this as well as the fact that I do not have to understand why everyone worships in their particular form. At the same time I have learned that there can be inherent problems in some forms.

Whenever Christians develop customs or traditions that contradict the teachings of Christ we should all be concerned. That should be obvious. Yet it is possible that in our desire to fulfill His purposes, we can develop traditions that actually hinder us from fulfilling them. I know this because I have been caught up in these situations myself.

Recently I wrote a post encouraging older believers to pass their wisdom and experience down to succeeding generations. During this new year I will be attempting to take my own advice. While trying to not be offensive or controversial, I am expecting that controversy will become unavoidable. To some my concerns might seem petty or reactionary. All I ask is that you consider what I offer, and that you develop your own critical thinking skills.

My faith in Christ is built upon His work in my life through personal experience, His Word in the bible, and the power of the Holy Spirit Who works within me. If that is also true for you, I believe we have some common ground already! If you are interested in where I am going with this topic, I invite you to subscribe to my blog, https://livingtruth.com or my facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/livingtruthcom and join the discussion!

By speaking the truth in love, we can grow up into Christ in all things, and fulfill our destiny in Him! (Ephesians 4:15, Romans 8:29).

Who Are The Elders?

January 8, 2025 / Dan Beaty / 4 Comments

In the modern church the most important role in most congregations is that of the person who does most of the preaching on Sundays, the traditional pastor. Beside the preaching and providing most of the direction for the community, this person is expected to perform baptisms, the dedication of babies, weddings, and funerals whenever the occasion calls for them.

However in the New Testament book, the Acts of the Apostles, no such person is found. Of course, the apostles who were personally chosen and trained by Jesus were front and center in this history of the Early Church. After that, we see prophets and evangelists in action and important in establishing the churches.

The congregation at Jerusalem was organized and led by the 12 apostles. The second major center was North in Antioch of Syria, and was led by prophets and teachers, which were mentioned by name in Acts 13:1. This group was led by the Holy Spirit to send Saul and Barnabas out as missionaries. Saul, also called Paul preached the Gospel with Barnabas and later Silas, on many journeys across the Mediterranean Sea.

Whenever converts to Christ came together in any area, Paul appointed elders to lead them. This practice goes all the way back to Moses, who had taken upon himself more responsibility than was necessary. The Lord instructed Moses to gather seventy men of the elders — the older men of Israel, so He could impart the Holy Spirit’s gifting of Moses to them. These unnamed men were to share the load with Moses. (Numbers 11:16)

Many historians believe that this was less of an office, but more of a charge. The appointment of an elder did not make one an elder. He was already an older man, but he was to be blessed and ordained to fulfill the duties that were already his.

Examples of this are found in both Acts 20:25-35 and 1 Peter 5:1-4. In Paul’s last address to the elders at Ephesus, he charged them to:

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”
(Acts 20:28 NASB)

In the older English language, the words “shepherd” and “pastor” were interchangeable. Thankfully, modern English translations have clarified the fact that the elders of the churches in Acts were the same people who were elsewhere referred to as “pastors,” in Ephesians 4:11. Another source of confusion is the fact that the work of the “overseer,” later took on the official sounding title of “bishop.”

It is this simple: This same body of elders were held responsible of “shepherding,” tending God’s flock, and “overseeing,” watching over them to protect and lead them by example.

Peter affirms this in his first letter.

Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
(1 Peter 5:1-4 NASB)

Somehow we often miss the picture of the church as a family. The adults are the responsible ones. They are the ones who provide for the younger ones.

In all of this my hope is to encourage all of you seniors, men and women in the body of Christ. You have not only an opportunity, but a duty to put your years of experience to good use. In our society you might not get the respect that elders in the early church received. Maybe you have not earned it! Maybe you thought you should stay out of the way and let the “official” leaders make all the calls. Or maybe you are acknowledged as an elder in your church, but you are asked only to study the financial numbers in the budget or in the unfilled pews.

Please consider this: Somewhere in your circle there are younger people who could use your help. Maybe they don’t even know it. It might be up to you to reach out to them and show some love and concern. Pray for them and seek the Lord’s help for opportunities to serve them.

We all know it is easy to criticize and complain about the failures in Christianity. It is not as easy to share another’s load as did the 70 elders of Israel. However, I believe our response to Christ’s example and charge to us will elicit His response with the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill that call!

What Time Is It?

December 30, 2024 / Dan Beaty / 0 Comments

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I Love Christian Gatherings!

December 30, 2024 / Dan Beaty / 4 Comments

I love Christian gatherings. That was not always true in my younger days. Then in my early twenties I was humbled by circumstances in my life to the point that I came to a greater level of surrender to Christ. At that point I was drawn to other believers with whom I found more in common than before. The meetings we had in the church building were very exciting, powerful and encouraging. We were in a time of what some call revival, others might call a “move of God.” Many believers that I knew outside of that fellowship were also experiencing a new awareness of the presence of God in their lives. It was a time that I will never forget. In this environment, evangelism is free and natural. Who wouldn’t want to share joy such as this?

Since then I have never lost the desire to gather with other people who love God. There have been many painful times, for sure. Close friends have suffered illnesses like cancer, others experienced divorce or loss of a child. When people become close through their faith in Christ, they learn to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” There is also the pain of separation. Sometimes families move away from the area. Sometimes they are called to serve elsewhere. Sometimes strong disagreements can cause separation. Like I said, there are many painful times, but still I have never lost the desire to gather with the people of God. Over the years I have been exposed to various concepts of what a meeting should be like. I have learned to respect the patterns and traditions of others for the most part, as long as Jesus Christ is at the center.

There have been times when my entire week has been centered around the church I am a part of. I am not saying that is necessarily a bad thing. I have been in close communication with others involved in the planning of meetings. Much of this time helps to build relationships among us. Having often been a part of the group that provides the music and leads in the singing of praises, I know how much time that can require. Other times I have had the privilege of teaching, and I need to invest in preparation for that part of the service.

Getting together in men’s and women’s groups and small group bible studies during the week have been also normal for my wife and me. One of her favorite aspects of Christian fellowship is in teaching children about God and the bible on Sundays and during summer Vacation Bible School. Other opportunities have come along for us to serve at senior centers and homeless shelters and we are blessed in them.

All of this can and should be beneficial and a part of life in the Kingdom of God. At the same time I can see the possibility of some misconceptions here. Is this all there is that constitutes what we read about in the bible of life in Christ? Could everything become too focused on that one event on Sunday morning which is over after an hour or so? Think for a moment. In the bible, the people of God always had meeting times. In the New Testament, they were highly motivated to gather because of Christ. Yet there is very little of our modern forms seen in the Old or New Testaments. Have we enshrined our traditions, however wonderful they might be, while limiting other possibilities?

Everywhere we read about the need to serve one another, to build up one another in Christ, to love one another. Nowhere are we encouraged to always gather together around one man or woman to hear only what one individual has to say. In Paul’s writings it was always about everyone having a gift from God by which others can be served. He even describes a gathering where everyone could take his or her turn at sharing what God has given to them.

The greater danger is in placing too much control in the hands of a few individuals. It is true, some are more experienced than others, but we are all a part of His Royal Priesthood, called out of darkness into His marvelous light. These days, many are learning about other valid expressions of Christian community. They are finding the freedom to serve in the gifts that the Holy Spirit has placed within them, without rejecting the true call to unity in Christ.

They are meeting in parks, restaurants, in their own homes, or anywhere that serves His purpose for them. They do not need the support of an ancient denomination or their bank accounts to “plant a church.” They are the church, the community of born-again believers in Christ. They know who they are in Him, and do not need a name or someone with a title to approve of them.

More importantly they need to understand their total and utter dependence upon their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Only by humbling themselves before Him can anyone find true fellowship as His body, the fulness of Him Who fills all in all!