The Church was Jesus’ idea. It was not the disciples plan to institutionalize the message of Jesus. It was their response to Jesus’ directions to establish the church as a hospital for sinners not a hotel for saints. (Donatism is a heresy rejected by the early church because it sought to offer church membership based primarily upon the degree of obedience of believer – a hotel for saints – rather than simply on their acceptance of Jesus’ grace – hospital for sinners.) In contemporary times, the church has had to battle against the heresy of individualism – the idea our relationship with Christ is primarily individual and private and that we can be faithful Christians without being a part of the life of a local church. Instead, the church has taught that personal relationship with Christ establishes the common ground necessary for a church community of equality among members in which each member is dependent upon God and the community for spiritual nourishment.  

Scripture - Matthew 16:13-20, Hebrews 10:24-25

The Church was Jesus’ idea. It was not the disciples plan to institutionalize the message of Jesus. It was their response to Jesus’ directions to establish the church as a hospital for sinners not a hotel for saints. (Donatism is a heresy rejected by the early church because it sought to offer church membership based primarily upon the degree of obedience of believer – a hotel for saints – rather than simply on their acceptance of Jesus’ grace – hospital for sinners.) In contemporary times, the church has had to battle against the heresy of individualism – the idea our relationship with Christ is primarily individual and private and that we can be faithful Christians without being a part of the life of a local church. Instead, the church has taught that personal relationship with Christ establishes the common ground necessary for a church community of equality among members in which each member is dependent upon God and the community for spiritual nourishment.  

Scripture - Matthew 16:13-20, Hebrews 10:24-25

As the early Church reflected on the nature and character of God made known through Christ, they quickly came to a conclusion that would have been shocking to the ancient societies in which they lived. God’s essence, God’s most fundamental nature was not power – though God was all powerful. Nor was it wisdom, though God was all-wise. The nature of God was, and is, love!

Scripture - 1 John 4:7-12

As the early Church reflected on the nature and character of God made known through Christ, they quickly came to a conclusion that would have been shocking to the ancient societies in which they lived. God’s essence, God’s most fundamental nature was not power – though God was all powerful. Nor was it wisdom, though God was all-wise. The nature of God was, and is, love!

Scripture - 1 John 4:7-12

The earliest church was characterized by 3 main beliefs: 1) Belief in Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:22-24), 2) Belief God was uniquely made known in Jesus (Acts 2:36), and 3) Belief in salvation by grace offered to all (Acts 15:7-11 - Jerusalem Council). Throughout the coming centuries, early Christians, guided by the Holy Spirit and reflecting on the firsthand testimony of the apostles, further developed these beliefs by pursing them to their logical conclusions. While these three beliefs do not contain everything there is to know about Jesus, they do contain enough to lead us to His saving grace and commit our lives to following Him.  

Scripture - Acts 2:22-24,36 & Acts 15:7-11

The earliest church was characterized by 3 main beliefs: 1) Belief in Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:22-24), 2) Belief God was uniquely made known in Jesus (Acts 2:36), and 3) Belief in salvation by grace offered to all (Acts 15:7-11 - Jerusalem Council). Throughout the coming centuries, early Christians, guided by the Holy Spirit and reflecting on the firsthand testimony of the apostles, further developed these beliefs by pursing them to their logical conclusions. While these three beliefs do not contain everything there is to know about Jesus, they do contain enough to lead us to His saving grace and commit our lives to following Him.  

Scripture - Acts 2:22-24,36 & Acts 15:7-11

Prayer is the language that God gives us to communicate with God.  A vital practice of our faith is prayer.  James notes the significance of prayer. We are to praise God, pray for the sick, and those in trouble.  We are to confess our sins to each other and pray for each other.  Practice of prayer is transformational for all involved.

Scripture - James 4:8a; James 5:13-18

Prayer is the language that God gives us to communicate with God.  A vital practice of our faith is prayer.  James notes the significance of prayer. We are to praise God, pray for the sick, and those in trouble.  We are to confess our sins to each other and pray for each other.  Practice of prayer is transformational for all involved.

Scripture - James 4:8a; James 5:13-18