The following has been adapted from Map 26 of The Map Maker, our first book, written to encourage, edify, and equip leaders in the workplace to become disciple makers and transformation agents. Pursuing such an adventure requires community – particularly in seasons of storms and chaos.

This article will close out our exploration of God’s way for living in community. For your convenience, here are links to the previous three parts:

Part 1 – We explored the meaning and mystery of fellowship, and the incredible vision Jesus empowers and expects from our living in unity with one another.

Part 2 – We searched out the “one another” passages to further understand the attitude and practice required to live in kingdom community.

Part 3 – We identified and briefly explained God’s eternal purpose for our fellowship: the restoration of His habitation in His people.

As we’ve previously discussed, Jesus Christ’s vision for the church He is building is a unified body of believers who share the truth in love, create operative energy working together, and build up the body by their love for one another (Ephesians 4:11-16). This fellowship will be manifested, at the end of this Age, as the wife of Christ and the New Jerusalem – the restored habitation of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

At this point, we are so far from Christ’s vision for the church, it may seem impossible to get there. But nothing is impossible for God. It would be easy to throw in the towel – to admit defeat. But that would be to admit a lie, for God has the victory in hand. Christ will have His wife.

To be a participant in the victory, we need only submit to the way He is building His church. I suggest we begin by looking at the most successful building program in the history of the church – a building program imbued with power. It’s also happens to be the beginning of the one in which we are a part. Let’s take a quick look at its creation and character.

… and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. Acts 2:41

And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47

However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. Acts 4:4

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul… Acts 4:32

And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women… Acts 5:14

It is no wonder that, throughout the history of Christendom, much has been said and written about going back to the original church model. And this talk seems to be increasing as we draw closer to the end of the Church Age. In fact, there are many groups who are pursuing this example of healthy community living.

Is it any wonder? Just look at the results. Thousands being added at a time! The Lord adding to the church daily! When was the last time any fellowship could claim such Great Commission results?

It is time we dismissed the manmade church growth programs, and embraced God’s way – demonstrated in the “First” church. Those who buck the prevailing trends will discover the power Jesus Christ exercises in building His church.

One word of caution: While it is true God has given us a prescription for building His church, we must avoid the temptation to turn it into another church growth program. God’s ways and thoughts are far above our own. The minute we try to codify and control His way is the minute we lose the power His dynamic life brings to it. The Christian leader should consider this process as a framework that allows for liberty in response to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

God’s Way in Building the “First” Church

As we explore the way Jesus built the “First” church, I remind you that He has not limited His building to our church facilities and campuses. He is also building His church in the Workplace. The following prescription for church building applies there as well.

Secondly, we must recognize that God is a process-oriented problem solver. The “First” church didn’t grow up in a day. They didn’t immediately start sharing their belongings. To expect such a response at the onset is getting ahead of ourselves and God, creating an unnecessary and fearful distraction.

So, let’s carefully explore just what happened at the beginning, in the second chapter of Acts. Read the full chapter, start to end; then read each referenced verse as you consider the following steps:

1. Those that would be the core of the church were waiting with one accord and in one place (v.1). God has placed a core group of dedicated believers within your sphere of influence. Begin by gathering together.
2. They waited expectantly for the Lord’s anointing (vv. 2-12). Your experience may or may not be as dramatic as the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit, but it will be noticeable by you, and by others.
3. They were mocked (v. 13). Do not be surprised that some ridicule you and your group. In fact, it is a good sign; even a blessing (Matthew 5:11).
4. They were bold in their response, sharing the Gospel of the kingdom as the Holy Spirit directed (vv. 14-36). It is important to note that your group may have the opportunity to share with unsaved individuals, those who claim to be saved, and those who are what they claim.
5. They asked, “What shall we do?” (v. 37). This is always the pivotal question.
6. “Repent”, is always the best first response (v.38). It was the first thing commanded by John the Baptist, Jesus and Peter. Why should it be any different with us? What we must remember is that repentance begins with “the sin”. It requires getting off the throne of our hearts, that Christ might dwell there. It is a continual and progressive process, not just a onetime decision.
7. They were baptized (v. 38). Baptism is a work of God that has importance in the process of salvation. The implications are too important to minimize. This, too, was commanded by John the Baptist, Jesus and Peter.
8. After repentance and baptism, they received the promised Holy Spirit (vv. 39). The order and emphasis are critically important. God’s promises are incredible… and conditional. The church in America has minimized the conditions and oversold the promises. We have compromised the Gospel, confused and frustrated many, and weakened the church in the process.
9. The church must be “saved from this perverse generation” to be true to itself – the called-out ones (v. 40). Christ is outside the camp. In Revelation 18:4, He cries out, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.” Compromise with the world is the wrong kind of death wish.
10. Verse 42 contains the first description of Christ’s “First” Church. Should we be doing anything else until we are doing these things well? Each one is important; practiced together, they set the stage for God to show up.
11. What must it have been like for fear to come upon every soul (v. 43)! This of course is the fear of the LORD. In other words, God showed up!! Of course, the “then” means “after these things”. The order is important. It will do no good to begin in the middle; or at the end. God has a way of doing things. We must conform to His way if we hope to do things in the power of His kingdom.

For many, thoughts of the “First Church” go immediately to their sharing everything (v. 44-47). As we have now discovered, much is required before such a vibrant community is possible. Isn’t it time we got started? It’s really quite simple: Go back to step one; and BEGIN!

The Power of the Church

Some may ask, “Why should we take such a radical approach?” First and foremost, because it is God’s way, and our obedience is required. Secondly, doing things God’s way is the best way to position ourselves for the release of God’s power in the good work He has created for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10).

The church Christ is building is a church filled with, and operating in, the power of God. Luke was careful to record this for our encouragement.

Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Acts 2:43

And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33

And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. Acts 5:12

Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. Acts 5:16

Jesus promises those who believe in Him will do what He was doing, and even greater things (John 14:12). Please, please, please, don’t ignore this promise for the church today – for your family, fellowship, and organization.

Powerful moves of God are not limited to the first century church. Since the founding of America, there have been two Great Awakenings, the Azusa Outpouring and other less documented “revivals”. Even now, God is moving powerfully in other parts of the world.

There is no limit – in time or geography – to the One Who is building His church. He has commanded us to join Him in this great and mighty work. So, what are we waiting for?

Conclusion

Christ is building His church. His vision is becoming reality. The evidence of the church He is building is the manifestation of great power and grace, signs and wonders, and incredible growth. Keep in mind: the growth you see may not be an increase in “new” believers, but in “true” believers – those truly surrendered to the King.

Participation with Christ in building His church is an adventure. Adventures are initially a mixture of excitement and fear. Deal with the fear and it all becomes a life of exciting adventure!

As Albert Einstein said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” If anyone understands the need and dynamics of change, it is leaders in the workplace (including the religious kind). It is no coincidence that you have been elevated in this season of great challenge for the church. You have been intentionally positioned to participate in Christ’s building program.

The need is not for invention, but for a return to the ways that work best – the ways that draw on the resources of God. If you are one of those whose heart is loyal to Him, He will show Himself strong on your behalf (2Chronicles 16:9).

 

God bless you with courage, wisdom, and grace to live in community His way.

Have a strong day in the Lord,

Rob

#iamjustthepen