Gospel Carriers, Old and New
Long After Pentecost
The 3,000 were devout men of the Jewish faith. Still, they needed Christian training and indoctrination. When they returned to their homes, throughout the Roman Empire, they would need the education and experience they gained during their short time with the Disciples.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42 KJV)
Spirit-filled saints have enjoyed potlucks from the beginning. What we often leave out is the Bible study and prayer time. As always, the “secret” of growth and effectiveness is found in hard work and glistening brows.
It may not be easy, but it works. The 3,000 became a Gospel core that evangelized the “known world.” They in turn replicated the process after they returned home.
The Holy Spirit empowers us. Yet, He doesn’t normally plop Scripture and maturity in our hearts and minds. Bible knowledge and faithful belief are normally the outcome of a disciplined program of study and discipleship.
The taught become teachers. The reached become reachers. Missions is the engine. Discipleship is the rest of the vehicle.
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 favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:46-47 KJV)
“…the Lord added…” Strategy and rational thought have their place and purpose. I believe God is pleased when we think our way through or around problems. Still, some things only come through fasting and prayer. We must not plan or program out God’s presence. We must not become so organized that the Holy Spirit can not exercise His disruptive blessings.
“…the Lord added…” Fellowship is a vital, and too often missing aspect of modern churches. Soul weary people are looking for human contact and authentic relationships. Even strong saints need to laugh and chat with Gospel family.
The Case For Frenzy
And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2 KJ2000)
The flight decks of a carrier are crazy, chaotic places. Men rush back and forth, fueling planes, loading ordinance, and patching battle damage. The only place free of frenzy are the catapults where planes are launched back to the battle.
Planes landing on the carriers Yorktown and Lexington, or Shokaku and Zuikaku, didn’t stay for long. They needed to refuel, rearm and relaunch as rapidly as possible. A plane and pilot in the air can defend the mother ship, or better yet, execute the mission. Every plane sitting on deck is a danger to the carrier.
The classrooms and meeting spaces of our churches ought to be crazy, chaotic places. There should be a constant hum of teaching, training and mentoring. The only calm and order should come during commissioning services.
Saints sitting in the pews aren’t fulfilling the mission to reach and save the lost. They need to be re-filled with the Holy Spirit, rearmed with Scripture and launched out to battle for souls. Sitting in the pews does not expand the Church.
Missions are at the heart of a growing congregation. So is discipleship. Natural babies need a lot of care and training. So do newborn saints.
Category: Living the Faith
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