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)
Amen to these words and may the Lord give us this dependency upon Him: “I am personally convinced that the only power the early Christians had was their total dependency upon Jesus Christ. ”
Paul carefully reminded us that his own knees were knocking lest the power of God might be attributed to smooth and eloquent speeches.
There is an old hymn containing these poignant lines. Lines borrowed from the Scripture, I might add: Not to the strong is the battle, not to the swift is the race, Yet to the true and the faithful vict’ry is promised thro’ grace.
I am really enjoying this series, my brother Dan. You are a blessing to me and to many others. For which I give thanks to the Almighty, from whom every good and perfect gift flows.
Thanks again David. Could you tell me the name of the old hymn? Sounds like one we need to bring into our devotions and worship!