Introduction: Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father, and from our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Our text is the First Reading from Acts 2. We begin with prayer.
Dear fellow disciples of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ:
- In Lutheran theology, the discussion arises as to how we can be sure that we are in the presence of “the Church.” That is, as Christians we want to be sure that we are in the right place for worship, for fellowship, and for commitment of our time, labors, and charitable giving. You want to be in the right place, within the church, right?
- The theological explanation is fairly simple: The church exists where the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and the Sacraments are administered in accord with the institution of Christ.
- That is, wherever the Gospel is purely preached, and baptism is properly administered, the Holy Spirit is calling people to faith.
- And wherever the Gospel is purely taught and the Sacrament of Christ’s body and blood are properly administered, there the Holy Spirit is strengthening and confirming people’s faith. We know the church is being built and strengthened in these places. With these things we can be sure that we are in the right place, within the church!
- This was always properly comforting enough for me – and as for the rest of the social dynamics of the church, well, it all seemed quite normal to me.
- However, when I first read our text and thought about it seriously – many years ago – it became quite evident that the life of the early church was significantly different than the church of my youth and of my lifetime. And while we must carefully distinguish between what is descriptive in Holy Scripture [which is what our text does in regard to the life of the early church], and what is prescriptive [what we are commanded to do, which some parts of our text do not do – that is, tell us we must do things this way], nonetheless our text does describe “MARKS OF THE CHURCH” which we do well to consider.
- And although our text is not prescribing certain things to us, nonetheless what we see as “MARKS OF THE CHURCH” in our text are the natural effects of the Gospel – brought out in those who have come to know and believe the great love that God has for us in Christ Jesus. The first thing we note is:
I. The Early Church Members Devoted Themselves To The Word Of God
A. They Were Devoted To Preaching And To The Study Of God’s Word
Text: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.”
John 8:31,32 “If you continue in My Word you are truly My disciples, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.”
Rom. 10:17 “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”
B. They Were Devoted To The Fellowship Of Christians
Text: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ . . . fellowship. . . . Day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes.”
Heb. 10:23-25 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.”
Phil. 4:21 “Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.”
C. They Were Devoted To The Fellowship Of Christ’s Sacrament
Text: “They devoted themselves to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Statement: Now as you have seen, some of these “MARKS OF THE CHURCH” are in fact prescribed. They are also the natural outcome of a vibrant faith in the Lord Jesus, a growing knowledge of God’s love for us. But I will have to say, these are not the normal ways that most church members today look at their life of faith and relationship with fellow believers, the congregation. Consider also our attitudes toward sermons, worship attendance, and Bible Classes.
Application: So consider – why is this the case? Should it be the case, or should our view of the ministry of the Word of God and our participation in worship, and our view of the church, the congregation, and our relationship to our fellow believers be different? I know that this is somewhat challenging to our normal patterns of “socializing” within the church, but give it some thought – and if necessary, and if you are able, perhaps some changes are in order.
Transition: But perhaps the greatest challenge in the description of the early church in our text is the fact that:
II. Generosity And Sharing Of Personal Resources Was Astounding
Text: “And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. . . . They received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God.”
A. Those Who Had Resources Sold Them Off And Gave Them To The Churchly Community, To Be Held In Common By The Church
Text: “And all who believed were together and held all things in common.”
B. Those Who Had Need Received From The Community Resources
Statement: The term used to describe this financial and economic practice is “communism.” In our time this term describes government proscription of private property by force of law. However, within the early church this behavior was not commanded – it was just what people, whose hearts had been molded by God’s love and faith, did.
Application: While none of this was commanded or coerced, what this “MARK OF THE CHURCH” demonstrates was a changed view of “private property” and our possessions. Personal wealth and possessions were not viewed as belonging exclusively to the individuals, but rather as given by God for the good of all. By faith, these wealthy people knew that God would still take care of them. By faith, and in love, they knew that their possessions were given to them to “steward” for the common good of all of God’s people.
Is this good? It comes from God, and is an effect of knowing and believing His love for us! Would it be good for us today? The change of heart and perspective would be, even if the administration of our resources remained in our own personal hands. Is this uncomfortable for us to think about? Yes, it is counter-cultural – even within the church today, and it is contrary to our selfish nature. Do we need such change of heart? Think about these things – and allow God’s love to move your heart, your thinking, and then your generosity and your giving!
Transition: And finally,
III. The Life Of The Church Was Marked By Joy And Numerical Growth
Text: “They received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Statement: Note that God “added to their number.” They didn’t “grow” the church, God added people to their number! They weren’t focused on church growth but rather on the Word of God and the Sacraments, Christian fellowship and love for one another. We sometimes wonder why the church doesn’t grow numerically. Perhaps God doesn’t see enough of these “MARKS OF THE CHURCH” to think it proper to “add to our number those who were being saved.” In many respects, our church today is attractive to those who are like us – and perhaps this is not as attractive to others generally as we would like to think. It we had more fervor and devotion to the things described in our text, perhaps our “fellowship” would be attractive to more people!
Application: So these are things for us to consider. I know that most of us have pretty much achieved what we set out to do in life, and perhaps God has blessed us with even more than we expected. The rest of us are still trying to achieve and accomplish goals. However, we might ask whether or not our goals in life are the same as those of the early believers described in our text. And if not, we might ask why there is this disparity, and how it got to be this way for us, and whether it should be this way for us.
Conclusion: There is no question that the absolute “MARKS OF THE CHURCH” are the correct teaching of God’s Word and the right administration of Christ’s Sacraments. We have these things – and this is quite an accomplishment in today’s world. However, the right “use” of these things should produce much more of the “MARKS OF THE CHURCH” as described in our text. We can pray God to bless us in this way.
There is always forgiveness for all our sins, including our sins of not knowing and our lack of discerning, and also for our sins of selfishness and lack of faith. Thanks and praise be to God for that! However, God would also bless us with the same fruits of faith described in these early Christians – if we are willing to receive them. If so, this would be a great personal blessing to us individually. And it would also be a great blessing for our congregational life. It would also be a great blessing for those whom the Lord is ready to add to our fellowship. It is worth mulling over and perhaps moving toward! Amen.
Votum: And the peace of God which surpasses all human understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in the true faith, which is in Christ Jesus, even unto life everlasting, Amen.