Sunday Service on April 6, 2025 w/Pr. Jose
Sunday Service on April 6, 2025 w/Pr. Jose
Early Church Model
The early church model serves as a blueprint for all churches professing to be a church of God
- The early church was characterized by love, devotion, and unity
- Members of the early church were known for their simplicity of heart and purity of motives
- The early church had a strong sense of community and shared everything in common
Current State of Churches
There are various types of churches in America, ranging from small congregations to mega churches
- Many mega churches have incorporated a business model where members become consumers
- The average church in America has about 60 to 70 members, while mega churches have over 2,000 members
- Some churches prioritize accommodation over devotion and unity
Qualities of a Church of God
A church of God should be characterized by love, faith, and obedience
- Love should be expressed sincerely and not hypocritically
- Faith and obedience to God, not just the pastor, are essential
- The success of a church is determined by the quality of love, faith, and obedience among its members
Early Church Activities
The early church devoted themselves to the apostles' teachings, fellowship, prayer, and the study of the Word
- Members of the early church prioritized worship, fellowship, and breaking of bread
- The early church engaged in outreach and evangelism in various forms
- The early church displayed affection to one another through love, devotion, and the joy of the ministry
Modern Church Practices
Some modern churches use big screens, smoke machines, and other theatrical elements
- The focus should be on the presence of the Holy Spirit rather than artificial experiences
- Church members should be obedient to God and not just the pastor
- False prophets and celebrities within the church can lead people astray
Personal Transformation and Growth
God desires transformation and growth in the lives of believers
- Surrendering completely to God is essential for growth and maturity
- Confession and a right heart are necessary for God's blessings
- Living a balanced life and having pure motives are important for spiritual growth
Dealing with Past Mistakes
The enemy may use past mistakes to persecute believers
- God has forgiven believers for their past sins and has made them new
- Believers should not let their past define them and should focus on their current relationship with God
Pride and Humility
Pride can lead to a fall, while humility is honored by God
- Believers should not seek attention or celebration for their knowledge or position
- Paul's example of becoming less so that Christ can become great is a model for humility
God's Perspective on Motives and Actions
God sees the motives, intent, and actions of believers
- Believers should focus on Jesus and have pure motives to avoid being fooled by themselves
- God will deal with believers before dealing with their enemies
Key Points
- The importance of adhering strictly to the teachings of the early church and the scriptures is emphasized, warning against doctrines that deviate from the word of God.
- The model of the early church, characterized by love, devotion, and unity, should be the standard for all churches.
- The success of a church is determined by the quality of love, faith, and obedience among its members, rather than by its size.
- The early church's practices included devotion to the apostles' teachings, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, which modern churches should emulate.
- The importance of genuine love, expressed through actions rather than words, is highlighted as a characteristic of a true church.
- The early church's commitment to daily fellowship, worship, and outreach is presented as a model for contemporary churches to follow.
- The necessity for church members to be obedient to God rather than to pastors is stressed, with a call for authenticity and realness in faith.
- The role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the early church for signs, miracles, and wonders is discussed, contrasting it with modern reliance on technology and spectacle.
- The importance of personal transformation and surrender to God for spiritual growth and maturity is emphasized.
- The call for churches to focus on Jesus and maintain pure motives in all actions to foster a healthy, balanced spiritual community.
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