The Model Of The Church Is Acts

"Upon this rock I will build my Church..." (Matthew 16:18)

At GLCC we look to the book of Acts as the model for the church. We do not look to church history for our model. History only presents a sad and tragic picture. In the book of the Revelation Jesus called the seven churches of Asia Minor to repentance. It was only sixty years after the church was founded that it was filled with corruption, lukewarmness and all kinds of false practices. Sadly as we look at church history things have not improved.

In the book of Acts we see the church as God intended it to be. This was a dynamic church that took the gospel to the whole world. Paul, writing to the Colossians said, "because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit as it is also among you since the day you heard it and knew the grace of God in truth" (Colossians 1:5-6).

What does Acts teach us about the church? There are four basic functions of the church. First they were dependent on Spirit of God. They were empowered by the Spirit (Acts 1:8), filled with the Spirit (Acts 2:4), led by the Spirit (Acts 13:2-3), guided by the Spirit (Acts 15:28) and directed by the Spirit (Acts 16:7).

Second they were teaching the Word of God. In Acts 2:42a, we are told that the church "continued steadfast in the Apostles doctrine." Third they were building oneness in the people of God. Acts 2:42b, says they continued in "fellowship and breaking of bread." Forth they were praying to God. Acts 2:42c, says they continued in "prayer." When these four vital functions of the church are kept in balance we can expect God to richly bless. Acts 2:47, says, "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."

It is important to realise that the growth of the church is not our job. Our primary focus is to follow the Lord's leadership, feed the sheep and tend the flock and as a result God will bring the increase. Our concern is not to grow the church but to grow the Christian. The natural outflow of a healthy Christian is a growing church. Our top priority is to be dependent on the Spirit of God, teach the word of God, build oneness in the people of God and to be a people of prayer.
 

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