Christianity: Enough of the same old, same old

We need more Holy Spirit guidance in what we do, and how we do it, in today´s Christian assembly.

Much of what happens is surely "because it has always been that way." We all know the routine. Hundreds or thousands assemble in a building which cost thousands or millions. Those attending are spectators and nothing more. A handful of people on the platform dictate how the meeting proceeds.

For about two hours, the majority gaze at the back of someone´s head. They sing, stand, sit when requested to do so. Apart from that they merely listen.

One person gives the sermon or message, and all eyes are on him. After he delivers the half-hour message, there might be one more song, and everyone heads for the tea or coffee counter.

Add to that a Wednesday night Bible study, but even then, one person is "in charge."

WE NEED CHANGE

Today's "church" is a far cry from that of the early believers. Buildings are rarely mentioned in the gospels and Acts. We read the believers met together daily in various homes, they ate together. Probably averaging a dozen, they most likely sat in a circle, facing each other.

Acts 2:44-45 says: "Now all who believed were together and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need." Now that is commitment and dedication!

THE BUILDING FUND

How much of your church´s money is spent maintaining a huge building which lies empty much of the time?

Thousands are spent on electronic instruments and equipment that today´s church "cannot do without." It is "Keep up with the Jones´s" on a massive scale.

The Early Church didn´t waste their time and money in fund-raising activities. They trusted God. Not for them rummage sales, special dinners, car washing and other paraphernalia that is the norm today: all in the cause of "the building fund."

Who are we trying to impress? Those are the world's methods. Where is faith in all of that?

No doubt the old-time believers shared what the Lord had done in the past week; they prayed for each other. Because of that style of meeting, they likely discussed even the most intimate aspects of their lives.

They were surely much more close-knit than today´s big city, scattered church-goers - sometimes 25 miles apart. The only unity is at the brief Saturday or Sunday morning coffee time – where most conversation is superficial by this writer's observation. Then people go home to their isolated existence.

OUR ROLE MODEL

The early church "sought first the kingdom of God" as Jesus told them to do. They did the important things – prayer, taking the gospel to the streets, healing the sick, casting out demons. We can read what they did in Acts.

Even in LA, NY or Sydney, with today´s technology the Acts-type church could operate. No enormous building is required. "Church" could be held using home groups meeting in every district at least once a week, and Saturday or Sunday morning. Anything the pastor wants

to say (is a sermon really necessary?) can be transmitted by a dvd he puts together weekly. A copy is then given to each home leader. How many homes today do not contain a dvd player and TV?

To copy the Early Church requires a revolution in attitudes and thinking; a climbing out of the bog of tradition. We have the manual for "church" in the gospels and Acts – and it should be put into practice. Then we will see the supernatural Christianity that God always intended.