Your point of church as family seems fairly radical today. The practice of sharing in the early church was instrumental in propelling Christianity from what was at first considered a “sect” to dominance in the Roman world. It was a glorious witness to the faith of the early believers. Sadly, the general culture of today is too much like that of the world to which Christianity came, with its emphasis on individualism and preoccupation with self, and perhaps with our immediate family (time permitting), materialism, and success in the competitive rat races in which we find ourselves. The world system that we live (politically, economically and culturally) in seeks to drive us in that direction. But, what values determine success? The early church introduced a revolution of values, a revolution of values learned from the Holy Spirit through scripture, especially those values illuminated by the New Testament writings. Oh, what joy to see a “restoration” of Christian values in the church!
May 13, 2009 @ 12:15 pm
Your point of church as family seems fairly radical today. The practice of sharing in the early church was instrumental in propelling Christianity from what was at first considered a “sect” to dominance in the Roman world. It was a glorious witness to the faith of the early believers. Sadly, the general culture of today is too much like that of the world to which Christianity came, with its emphasis on individualism and preoccupation with self, and perhaps with our immediate family (time permitting), materialism, and success in the competitive rat races in which we find ourselves. The world system that we live (politically, economically and culturally) in seeks to drive us in that direction. But, what values determine success? The early church introduced a revolution of values, a revolution of values learned from the Holy Spirit through scripture, especially those values illuminated by the New Testament writings. Oh, what joy to see a “restoration” of Christian values in the church!
May 13, 2009 @ 12:50 pm
Those adoption stories are amazing. Makes me want to adopt….what an awesome illustration.
May 21, 2009 @ 2:11 pm
so thankful and happy that i can listen to these sermons halfway around the world. thanks david! (and josh! 🙂