The Early Church’s Secret?

I’ve spent most of my life being a part of local churches.  Turning forty this year, I can only imagine how many messages, Bible studies and devotionals I’ve been a part of.  A LOT!

When I was fifteen, I started working in a Christian bookstore selling, stocking and doing whatever they needed a high school kid to do.  Over the three years I worked there, I saw more Bible resources than I could ever use.  Books, Bibles (tons of translations), commentaries, CDs, tapes (yes, tapes), bulletin shells, Jesus logos, pens with crosses around them, fish with crosses on them and artwork with crosses in them.  I’d be remiss to not also mention movies and enough Sunday School curriculum that could cover the surface area of a small country.

Today there are infinitely more resources at our fingertips and the pile continues to grow.  Still, the burning question many in the church still ask is this:  are Christians more effective?  Are we “tearing it up” (as some Pastors like to say)?  Forget about our communities just for a moment.  How are we doing in our homes?  Our families?  Ourselves?  Are we just as effective as the early church?  Better?  Worse?

I’m asking the question because I’ve heard my share of messages on the book of Acts.  I’ve taught some too.  It’s a super cool book and a narrative about the growth of the early church and can really spur us on to pursue God in a new and fresh way.  It’s all good.

That said, when I read it, I usually compare myself to it and always come up short.  I read about the moves of God, people doing amazing things, families coming to Christ and the Holy Spirit working in ways many of us only wish we could experience today.  Some have said maybe it’s because of the time period and now things need to look different.  Maybe…or… maybe not.

When I look across New Testament, I see a common theme that I believe is one of the keys of the early church’s effectiveness.   It’s a key that allowed them to not just hear about God working but to be a part of what he was doing.  It can be summed up in one word:  Imminence.

Imminence is defined as “the state of being imminent and liable to happen soon.”  The early church had lived with an attitude of imminence, believing that Jesus would be returning soon and time was short.  This isn’t something they dreamt up due to a late-night Dominos run.  Scripture shows us that upon Jesus’ ascension, the angels told His followers He would return the same way He left (Acts 1:11).

The impact of this message is evident throughout the New Testament.  Christ followers excelled in giving and sold things to give the money so basics needs of others were met (Acts 4:34-37, 2 Cor 8:3).  Church leaders devoted themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word of God so others could be saved (Acts 6:2, 1Tim 4:16).  Followers were exhorted to offer forgiveness to one another (Philemon 1:17), maintain unity (Eph 4:3) and grow in the grace of God (2 Peter 3:18).  All of this was rooted in the belief that their time was limited and Jesus would soon return for His church.  ALL of the NT writers spoke of this.

Paul told singles not to marry because “our time is short” and to stay completely devoted to the work of God (1 Cor 7:29-31).  James and the writer of Hebrews referred to the time as the “last days” (James 5:3, Hebrews 1:2).  Peter said “the end of all things is near” (1 Peter 4:7) and John recalls a dream in which Jesus reminds us that He is coming soon (Rev 22:12).

The point I’m trying to make is that embracing an attitude of imminence can make a complacent Christian powerful.  The work God calls us to do is only through the power of His Holy Spirit and His Spirit functions most freely through people who are available and active.

I’ve heard many people ask God to use them in a mighty way.  For some, it happens.  For others, nothing.  Why? Could it possibly be because their priorities in life don’t change?  It’s almost like they want all the benefits that come from an empowered life but they aren’t willing to reorder their lives to let it happen.

Let’s be honest.  We all struggle with this at times.  No one is exempt so there are no egos going on here.  Let’s just remember…there is, however, something that can keep us motivated, focused and growing spiritually.  It’s having an attitude of imminence.  It lights a spiritual fire under our rear-ends and reminds us of the things that really matter in life.  I believe it was the key that motivated the early church and it can be ours too.

Are you feeling spiritually complacent?  If yes, do you believe Jesus is coming back soon?  If yes, do you live like He is?

His return is closer now than ever before.