Early Church History
The early church believers accepted what was fully involved in declaring their allegiance to Christ. They knew what was their lot once they decided to follow Christ.
They would be ostracized by their friends and familiars, disowned and disinherited by their families, penalized and persecuted by their religious leaders, and imprisoned and incarcerated by their rulers and governments.
Yet they chose to follow Him and be His disciples. Why? Their hearts were captured by the plan of Christ for the ages. Their minds grasped the essence of His sacrifice on the cross, and their identity in Him. They were captivated by their freedom in Christ, and their access to the presence of God.
They knew the authority and power of His Name, and the courage and boldness His Spirit brought. The resurrection of Christ, and His ascension to the right hand of the Father made them unafraid of any witchcraft and other bondages brought by forces of darkness. They dared to take a stand, and face all odds to follow Him.
Practical Living
They were conscious that it wasn’t enough to just accept Christ, be baptized in water, and anointed by His Spirit. Lives being transformed was the expected norm, and so they gave themselves to the renewal of their minds and the internalizing of His principles.
The early church had good testimony and witness before the watching world, and thr people joyfully submitted their lives even to gruesome deaths. Their zeal and love for Him made them overcomers and more than conquerors, for they vanquished sin, self, sickness, and satan. God authenticated and validated them with signs, wonders, and miracles.
They didn’t rise up in rebellion against their governments, nor did they make any fight or war against authorities. They were actually model citizens, but in conduct and character were totally different, and in their outlook quite alien. They were marked by love not hatred towards others, branded as Christians because they resembled Christ in the way they behaved.
Though they never raised a sword against another, kingdoms and thrones were overthrown, and Christ became enthroned by their faith.
Community Process
They also understood that they were part of a new community, the church. While society around shunned them because of their color or creed or citizenship, they were accepted unreservedly by the people of God. They knew their dignity as the royal priesthood of God, beloved of His Son, and sealed by His Spirit. They experienced unconditional love, joy, and peace within the family of God.
Being put out of the church as a disciplinary measure was anathema for them. Simce they couldn’t bear the burden of excommunicated, they would quickly reconcile with God and man to enjoy again that heavenly kinship.
Their fellowship and friendship was not with the world but with Him, and by default, His people. They sought and strove to be holy as He is holy. Fully convinced that He would come again, they lived as foreigners and aliens in this world.
Devotion and Submission
Devoting themselves to being taught by their leaders, they submitted to their authority and grace in Christ. Each and everyone became instant evangelists to those around. They sought to win others to Christ by their good conduct, good works, and the good news.
They took care of one another, sharing resources and assets so that the needs of others were met, both locally and globally. They participated in the mission of the church, the proclamation of the gospel, and generously contributed to its propagation. Understanding themselves to be part of a large network of Christians spread across the world, they prayed for others and sent help where it was needed.
Their oneness and unity drew the favor of God, and gave them influence among peoples. God validated and backed up their witness by the exhibition of His power and Kingdom authority by signs, wonders, and miracles.
Our Takeaway
Researching and analyzing their life brings us to the conclusion that:
Following Christ is a way of existence, an attitude of heart, an orientation of mind, and a practical outworking in daily life.
It is to love God so much that you equally love people because that is what He desires. Focusing on Him, His plans, His will, and His Kingdom is the norm, not the unusual. This is just because what He has for us is the best for us since we’re His children.
Understanding that in this world there will be troubles we don’t despair because He is with us. He’s promised never to leave us or forsake us, and so we aren’t orphans. We can be stable even amidst uncertainty.
Being convinced and convicted of the evil (sin) that dwells in our heart, we give full energy and effort to being changed. We’re ruthless to weed out all that will hurt Him, and become transformed in our thinking, emotions, and behavior. Therefore, we progressively enjoy our birthright – freedom in Christ!
It is being able to trust our lives, our families, our future, and our all to Him, for He is able to protect and preserve until the day His Kindgom comes on earth. Knowing that we are seated together with Him in the heavenly places, we grasp that our fight is not with people but principalities and powers of darkness.
Becoming adept in the use of spiritual weapons, we use them to put down all that is against the knowledge of God. We become proficient in pulling down strongholds, and set ourselves as well as others free by the power of God.
Fully convinced that He is coming soon, we use our wealth and all else to serve the people of God, and work to bring others to the saving knowledge of Christ. We clothe ourselves with compassion and kindness, so that the aroma of Christ spreads to all.
In short, we live our earthly life with a heavenly vision, focusing on the reward that awaits us. We live in this temporal dimension constantly aching for the eternal dimension to come, so that we can live in total freedom in a world filled with love, joy, and peace!
This is what is involved in deciding to follow Christ and be His disciples!
MULLINGSPICE 