Sermon Transcript
Reader's Version
Back To Acts: Are We Doing Church Wrong?Sermon by Gene Simco at C3 ChurchReader’s Version
Good morning, everyone, and welcome, especially if you’re new with us today. My name is Gene, and I have the privilege of serving as your pastor here at C3 Church.In the past, we’ve asked the question: Can you be a Christian without going to church? To explore that, we’ve made a few comparisons. It's like being a student who refuses to attend school, a salesperson with no customers, a businessman stranded on a deserted island, or a soldier who won’t join an army. It’s also similar to someone calling themselves a member of a team but never actually playing the game—yet when a team wins, they say, “We won!”We find ourselves continuing in our series, The Reset. This has been a great series for beginners because we’re covering the basics. But it’s also resonating with long-time Christians. Many of them have been coming up to me throughout this series, asking, Are we doing it wrong? Have we been doing Christianity wrong?In response, we’re turning to the full counsel of God's Word, digging into what the Bible actually says—not what our culture says, not what we think, and not simply what’s been passed down to us over time. We're examining the Scriptures themselves to see what Christianity truly is.So, if you’ve found yourself wondering if you’ve been getting it wrong, this is your opportunity to reset.In the last section, we covered the Ten Commandments, the Sabbath, and the Lord’s Day, emphasizing the importance of gathering together on that day. We saw how the Sabbath shifted from Saturday to Sunday, and how this transition is reflected not only in the biblical account but also in early Christian writings.Now, let’s take a closer look at how church fits into this concept of the Lord’s Day.The biblical word for "church" is *Ecclesia* (εκκλησία). In the Bible, the word *church* is translated from the Greek word *ecclesia*, which literally means an assembly—a gathering together physically. When we talk about the church, we’re not referring to a building or necessarily an organization, although it can be both. The church is the body of Christ, and every Christian is a part of it. We see this clearly illustrated in Ephesians.Ephesians 1:22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.The church is not just an organization—it’s an organism. Christ is the head of this organism, or body, and we are the members of that body. When we study the history of the church, and we look to the the New Testament, we have the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—which detail the life, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. Beyond these four Gospels, we enter the book of Acts, which chronicles the history of the early church.Right at the beginning of Acts, we see Jesus ascending to heaven. Following this, the apostles choose a replacement for Judas—Matthias—and then we witness the momentous event of Pentecost. In the last section, we discussed the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, where the Ten Commandments were inscribed on tablets of stone. During this time, a dramatic scene unfolded—thundering sounds, a ram's horn, and a storm on Mount Sinai. Pentecost, as we see in Acts, was a festival celebrating this very event—the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai.At Pentecost in Acts, Jewish people from all over gathered to celebrate the festival. But here, among the believers, something extraordinary happens: the Holy Spirit descends upon them powerfully. The imagery echoes Mount Sinai, fulfilling the original Pentecost. But now, instead of the Law being written on tablets of stone, it is written on the people's hearts by the Holy Spirit—fulfilling the promises we discussed previously.Miracles begin to unfold. People speak in different languages, sharing the Gospel with everyone around them. It’s a remarkable event and, in a sense, a reversal of the Tower of Babel from Genesis 11. The crowd is stunned, and some even suspect the believers are drunk. But Peter quickly corrects them, explaining that it's only nine in the morning and far too early for that! Instead, what they are witnessing is the power of the Holy Spirit.Peter then delivers a powerful speech, quoting from the prophets—most notably Joel—who had foretold that in the last days, sons and daughters would prophesy. There are also other prophecies, such as those from Jeremiah and Ezekiel, which spoke of replacing the heart of stone (like the stone tablets) with a heart of flesh. We now see that fulfilled, as the Holy Spirit is actively working in the hearts of the believers.In his speech, Peter calls on the people to repent, turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. He promises that they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Remarkably, those who believed Peter’s message were baptized, and about 3,000 people were added to the church that day.From there, we see the early believers form a strong community, as described in Acts 2:42.Acts 2:42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to the breaking of bread [sharing meals] and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe [fear] came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the breaking of bread, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.Now, what we see here directly relates to what we do at C3 Church. There are four key points that are central to our church's foundation. If you’ve been in the auditorium, you may have noticed the four posters highlighting these principles: the Word, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayers. These were the pillars of the early church, and they are the same pillars we seek to emulate here at C3.You’ll also notice something else in Acts—there was a remarkable generosity among the believers, a kind of extreme generosity. I’d argue that this is one of the most underrated gifts of the Holy Spirit. We often focus on other gifts, which we’ll explore later, but very few seem to emphasize this spirit of generosity.Now, someone from a Western or American context might look at this and think, That sounds like communism. This is crazy. But we have to be cautious not to interpret the Word of God through the lens of our own culture. When we do that, we distort its meaning. We must approach the Bible for what it is, with hearts softened by the Holy Spirit, not hearts of stone.The early church was a model of generosity, and it was the Holy Spirit working through them in love that made it possible. If we continue in Acts, we see this clearly. Acts 4:32 says...Acts 4:32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. 34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. 36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.Once again, we see this extreme generosity continuing among the early believers. They were truly living out Jesus' commands. As a side note, when we consider their level of generosity, suggesting a donation of 10% to the church doesn’t seem so overwhelming, does it?Speaking of tithing, if we turn the page in Acts, we’re given another example, but this time it’s a negative one. We encounter Ananias and Sapphira, who sold some property. They had the freedom to do whatever they wanted with the money, but instead, they chose to lie about it to the apostles. Peter confronts them, saying they didn’t just lie to men, but to the Holy Spirit—to God Himself.As we continue reading, we also see the apostles facing persecution. The Jewish leadership beats them for their beliefs, but despite this, they rejoice. As 1 Thessalonians says, Rejoice always—and the apostles do, even in the face of suffering. They find joy in the fact that they are counted worthy to suffer humiliation for the sake of Jesus.This is the attitude they maintained. Acts records that, every day, both in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.Turning to Acts 6...Acts 6:1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”Let’s pause for a moment to reflect on those four foundational points we base our church activities on. It all begins with the Word. Leaders, biblically speaking, need to be teachers. In the early church, they had apostles. While we don’t necessarily have apostles in the same way today, the principle remains—leaders are called to teach.In Acts, we also see the choosing of deacons. The word deacon literally means servant in Greek. This is something I think many in the modern church often overlook. The original role of deacons was to serve, specifically to manage a food program, so that the apostles—today’s church leaders—could focus on the ministry of the Word and teaching.As we continue reading, we encounter Stephen, one of these deacons, and we witness his martyrdom. Stephen was willing to die for what he believed.Now, regarding the numbers of people in the early church, Acts tells us that there were 3,000 believers in chapter 4, and by this point, that number had grown to 5,000. The believers were gathered in one place, but remember what Jesus commanded in Matthew 28 and Acts 1: Go to the ends of the earth and make disciples.As we turn the page to Acts 8, we see...Acts 8:1 A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria.Some may point to the growing numbers of believers in Acts, but as we keep reading, we get clarity—they were stacking up instead of spreading out. This is a lesson that many churches today can learn. Not everyone is called to be a missionary or an apostle, but the responsibility to spread the gospel remains. The church is the cornerstone of that mission. Everything radiates out from the church, and this is a point emphasized throughout the book of Acts.Now, moving into Peter’s story in Acts 10, we see how God reveals to him, through a vision repeated three times, that the gospel is to go out to the Gentiles—to all people and all ethnicities, to the ends of the earth. The majority of Acts then shifts its focus to Paul, especially in his work of church planting. Paul’s mission is not just to spread the gospel but to plant churches. This shows us that the mission of the church and church planting go hand in hand.As we move beyond the book of Acts, it’s fascinating to note that much of the New Testament is written in the context of the church. Paul, for instance, writes many of his letters to churches he either planted or is encouraging. Romans is written to the church in Rome, even though Paul hasn’t visited there yet. First and Second Corinthians are letters to the church in Corinth, and we see Paul’s presence there in Acts 18.When we look further, we see letters to the churches in the region of Galatia. Ephesians is written to the church in Ephesus, and in Acts, Paul is certainly there. We even witness an incident of a riot in Acts 19. In Philippians, we know Paul was in Philippi, as recorded in Acts 16, and the believers there supported him during his imprisonment. The letter to the Colossians was sent to a church in Colossae, near Ephesus, though Paul may not have visited them personally. First and Second Thessalonians were written to the church in Thessalonica, where Paul had been, as described in Acts 17.Paul also writes to Timothy in First and Second Timothy, who is pastoring in Ephesus at the time. Timothy was left there by Paul to oversee the church as an elder for a season. Titus is left by Paul to pastor on the island of Crete. In Philemon, Paul writes to a leader in the church of Colossae.The book of Hebrews is addressed to a community of Jewish Christian believers, while James writes to the church, addressing issues happening within it. First and Second Peter are written to groups of Christians, the churches. First, Second, and Third John are also written to churches, addressing matters within the church. Jude’s letter is a warning about false teachers infiltrating the church.Lastly, the book of Revelation begins with letters to seven churches in Asia Minor. The first three chapters of Revelation are devoted to these churches and their spiritual conditions.
If we examine the history of the church beyond the New Testament, we find many early church fathers writing letters to one another. In fact, it’s said that if we collected all of their correspondence, we would have enough material to recreate the entire New Testament, even if we didn’t have it today. Among their writings, we find works such as First Clement, which was once considered by some in the early church to be Scripture. Clement himself is even mentioned in Philippians. We also looked at the Didache last week, which gives us insight into how the early church functioned. All of this highlights the centrality of the church and its development throughout early Christian history.
For a significant period, the church remained united, but that unity was eventually fractured by the Great Schism of 1054. While there had been disagreements and heresies, there hadn’t been any major splits until this point. The schism primarily involved two major groups: what we now call the Catholic Church in the West and the Orthodox Church in the East. One of the main theological disputes concerned the role of the Holy Spirit, but the critical issue was the establishment of the pope’s authority in the West.
The churches in the East, particularly the Orthodox Church, held to the tradition that leadership was more decentralized, and they argued that Peter, while a significant figure, was never meant to be the supreme leader of the entire church. If we look at the book of Acts, Peter is indeed prominent, but it was actually James, the brother of Jesus, who presided over the Jerusalem church and led the council there. This highlights that the early church’s leadership was not rooted in a singular papal figure, but rather in a group of overseers or elders. Figures like Titus in Crete or Timothy in Ephesus might be considered church fathers in their respective regions.
The 1054 split occurred when the Roman Catholic Church sought to establish a pope as the supreme authority, a move the Orthodox Church resisted, as it was not in line with the practices of the early church. This led to the Great Schism, and from then on, the Catholic and Orthodox Churches went their separate ways.Now, there are some pros and cons to the Orthodox approach. One thing I appreciate is that they maintained the use of the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint), which was the version used by the early church, rather than adopting the Latin Vulgate as the Catholic Church did. The Orthodox Bible’s canon and the organization of its books reflect what the early church would have recognized, unlike many of the Old Testament versions popular in the West today. However, there are elements of Orthodox tradition that are more reflective of the Byzantine era than of the original church, despite some claims to the contrary.On the Catholic side, we can see the problems that arose from intertwining the church with government, which is something the church should never do. The concept of a pope is not biblical, and this overreach eventually led to corruption and spiritual decline, paving the way for the Reformation.Fast forward 500 years, and we arrive at the Protestant Reformation. While the Reformation addressed many of the issues within the Catholic Church, it's important to recognize that Protestantism still carried over some of its predecessor’s problems. True Christianity, after all, does not need reformation. If the Reformers had aimed to go further back—beyond the medieval church—they might have aligned more closely with the biblical model of the church.Many modern Protestants don’t realize that they are essentially reformed Catholics. Martin Luther himself never intended to create a new denomination; he remained a Catholic priest until the end. His goal was to reform Catholicism, not to break away from it. This is why, when you visit a Lutheran church today, it often looks like a "lighter" version of Catholicism. Essentially, Protestant denominations are still branches of Catholicism, not branches of the Orthodox or the original biblical Christian church.With Protestantism, we have encountered a problematic branch. Instead of returning to the source, a significant mess has developed. It is estimated that there are now around 40,000 denominations, most of which are Protestant. As we've discussed before, denominations are not ideal. A notable aspect of many of these denominations is that they are often named after individuals.In First Corinthians, we see the initial problem within the church: the issue of pastor worship or people worship. Paul rebukes them, saying, “I’m glad I baptized none of you except the household of Stephanas, and maybe Crispus and Gaius.” He expresses relief that he did not baptize more, as they might then claim to be baptized in his name. He asks, "Who is Paul? Who is Apollos?" While Apollos may be an eloquent speaker, that is irrelevant. Some were following these figures by name, forming factions, and this is simply wrong.Today, we often hear individuals proclaiming, "I am a Calvinist," "I am a Catholic," or "I am a Lutheran." Paul would rebuke this by asking, "Were you baptized in the name of Calvin, Luther, or Christ?" In his letters to the churches in Corinth and Rome, as well as to the Ephesians, Paul calls for unity. He addresses the growing factions, especially between those identifying as "Jewish Christians" and "Gentile Christians," urging for unity among these groups without divisions.In First Corinthians, we see that pastor worship persists. People are venerating different leaders much like many denominations do today, placing individuals above the only one who truly matters: Christ. In First Corinthians 1:10, Paul writes, “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”According to the Word of God, a large majority of the church has been operating in pride and sin. We must heed Paul's call: let there be no divisions in the church. If we turn to Galatians 5, we find further confirmation that this division is indeed a sin.Galatians 5:19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.Just as we discussed casual sins, these issues are far from casual. We see behaviors like dissension, division, quarreling, and jealousy. Many denominations today pridefully celebrate this division, engaging in sins against fellow Christians, such as pride, dissension, hostility, and outbursts of anger. Even at a scholarly level, we observe individuals arguing and fighting over secondary principles instead of placing Christ at the center and identifying more with their denominations than with Him.This brings us to the church today. Unfortunately, the contemporary church often falls short of the example set by the early church. We have become divided by denominations, distracted by politics, and seemingly more focused on entertainment than on the Word of God. Have we neglected the Word of God? Acts 6 tells us that the apostles dedicated their time to prayer and teaching the Word. The early church was committed to studying and obeying the Scriptures.For instance, in First Timothy, Paul instructs Timothy to be immersed in the Scriptures, constantly nourished by them. We see the qualifications for church leaders outlined in First Timothy 3 and Titus, with the primary qualification being the ability to teach the Word of God. Church leaders must genuinely care for the church, yet today there is an alarming lack of commitment from teachers.I once heard a well-known Christian pastor and author claim that he reads the Bible about once a year. Upon further investigation, I discovered that this amounted to reading just 3.5 chapters a day. That’s disheartening; for a pastor, 3.5 chapters equate to roughly 15 minutes of reading, or perhaps half an hour if you’re a slow reader. If that’s the case, my advice is to reconsider becoming a pastor, as reading is essential to the role. The Bible itself calls for a far deeper commitment than merely 15 minutes a day; that hardly demonstrates devotion.
Can you think of an expert in any other field who only practices for 15 minutes a day? In the past, I was a martial artist, practicing for hours each day. My instrument of choice was the guitar, and there were times I would practice for six hours daily. Anyone skilled in their field would tell you the same: mastering your craft requires a significant investment of time. If teaching is your vocation, you should certainly be dedicating more than just 15 minutes a day to it. Reflect on your own career; if you excel at what you do, you likely spend more than eight hours a day on it.Sadly, pastors have increasingly become like politicians, minimizing their time in the Word in favor of catering to popular opinion. They listen to complaints about having “too much Scripture” or “too much Bible” in the church and focus more on entertainment than on education. Politicians are often codependent and people-pleasers, but true pastors are not politicians.The mega-church phenomenon today has transformed into a big business, often focused solely on filling seats. It appears that the emphasis is primarily on numbers, and many individuals seem to be motivated by monetary gain. This trend is precisely what the New Testament warns against repeatedly. In fact, one of the identifying features of false teachers is their pursuit of profit.We see this issue highlighted in Second Corinthians, where Paul addresses the church regarding the so-called “super apostles,” whom he mockingly critiques. The warnings in First Timothy, Philippians—especially chapter three—and the entire book of Jude all underscore the presence of false teachers driven by financial motives. It seems we have opted for marketing strategies instead of miracles, allowing commercialism and consumerism to infiltrate the church.People today are often more excited about what they might receive in their goodie bags upon entering the church lobby than about the richness of the Word of God. There is a greater enthusiasm for marketing than for the miracles that should define our faith. We now have what I would term "worshiptainment," where the focus shifts from spiritual nourishment to mere entertainment.This phenomenon results in not only ear-tickling messages but also in a culture of entertainment. It’s no longer solely about heartfelt worship but rather about who has the bigger, better band. The pursuit of fame extends to worship teams and pastors, as we witness celebrity worship leaders and celebrity pastors emerging in the church. Unfortunately, it seems that personalities have replaced Christ as the head of the church.We also face a significant issue with small groups. While small groups are necessary in larger churches to foster connection, their proliferation often leads to challenges. As churches grow, access to knowledgeable teachers and lead pastors becomes restricted. The problem persists when we water down the Word, as we often have less qualified individuals teaching concepts they may not fully grasp. If a pastor is only reading 3.5 chapters a day, what are the small group leaders reading? These individuals are expected to be teachers, as we learn in First Timothy 3.This situation gives rise to many unqualified individuals posing as pastors. Consequently, some people may opt for small groups instead of attending church services, mirroring the divisive nature of denominations and leading to even greater fragmentation within the body of Christ.We now encounter what I call the "checkbox church." When we approach church this way, individuals come for the show and leave without engaging in the essential elements of fellowship and breaking of bread. Without these two components, we are only experiencing half of what church is meant to be.I encountered significant resistance when I proposed initiating this practice in the café at our church. Even my mentor questioned whether it was feasible, focusing on logistics rather than the miracles and gifts that could flourish when the church operates fully as the body of Christ.Next, let's consider prayer.Have we allowed prayer to become merely a formality in traditional churches? Much of our prayer seems to be rote, merely going through the motions of liturgical practices. Even in modern churches, we risk transforming prayer into a lofty performance. Jesus addressed this in Matthew 6, instructing us to pray privately, away from the public eye. He warned against being hypocritical, sounding trumpets when giving to the poor, and this attitude extends to how we approach prayer. Have we treated it as a spectacle instead of an intimate conversation with God?In the early church, prayer was integral to their lives. They prayed together regularly and witnessed God move in powerful ways. 1 Thessalonians teaches us to pray without ceasing; prayer should be an intrinsic part of who we are, not merely a component of the church program. Nowadays, we often rely on programs rather than fostering a culture of prayer. Many ministries develop independently, operating outside the authority of the church, dictating how we should conduct our worship. Churches often buy into these trends for the sake of convenience.The Church has lost much of its authority. We now see rogue ministries and missions emerging outside the church's oversight, operating without accountability. These groups often come into established churches, instructing them on how to conduct their ministries and missions, undermining the authority that should reside within the local church.So, what is the church supposed to be? What is its purpose? While there are many functions in the world, a few key purposes stand out. First, we are called to evangelize to the lost; making disciples is central to our mission, and the church plays a crucial role in this process by helping new believers grow in their faith and develop a deeper understanding of God's Word. We should focus on natural multiplication of believers rather than relying on help-wanted ads.Additionally, we are to worship God in church—not ourselves or our emotions, but God alone. The church is also called to minister to those in need, both within our community and beyond, demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ. Moreover, God uses the church to reveal His wisdom.Ephesians 3:10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.Within that basic framework, we have a leadership structure based not on titles but on servant roles. Remember that Paul identifies himself as a slave of Christ. When we examine passages like 1 Timothy 3 and Titus chapter 1, we see the offices of the church: overseers, elders, and deacons. These roles differ from spiritual gifts; for instance, the term "pastor" refers to a gifting rather than an office of the church.Titus was sent to Crete to appoint elders in various cities, affirming the idea that Christ is the head of the church, not any individual pastor. We are all parts of the body of Christ, each with unique functions.This brings us to the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit distributes gifts and functions to each member as He sees fit, and these differ among individuals. Unfortunately, the Spirit has often been confined by programs. Ironically, even in the charismatic church, we encounter the concept of the "five-fold ministry," which attempts to categorize God's work but risks putting Him in a box. This perspective, drawn from Ephesians 4, does not fully consider the entirety of God's Word, which offers much more depth.Ephesians 4:11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.Now, these are merely examples that Paul provides in Ephesians. The context of Ephesians is unity; he is not attempting to list every single spiritual gift. We find a more comprehensive list in 1 Corinthians. Furthermore, it's important to emphasize that these are gifts of the Holy Spirit, not offices within the church. We need to read all of Scripture, considering the full context and counsel of God's Word. We see this principle reflected in Romans as well.Romans 12:6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.There is more to explore here, and if we are diligent, we should continue reading. Unlike Ephesians, 1 Corinthians actually provides us with a numbered list of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12.1 Corinthians 12:27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:first are apostles,second are prophets,third are teachers,then those who do miracles,those who have the gift of healing,those who can help others,those who have the gift of leadership,those who speak in unknown languages.29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! 31 So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts.Note some of the gifts Paul mentions here. Importantly, the Word of God does not say that everyone has the gift of healing or the gift of tongues, contrary to what some Pentecostal groups might claim. Scripture clarifies that it is not the case that all believers will speak in tongues when baptized. The Word of God unequivocally states this. The essential point, however, is that all of these letters emphasize unity. Paul urges us to desire the most helpful gifts, not the flashy ones.What does this mean for us? Just like the early church in the book of Acts, C3 strives to embody the principles of Acts 2—being devoted to the Word of God, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. You are a part of that church. The church is not merely a pastor or a building; it is you. You are the body of Christ. He has gifted you in unique ways to help build up the church and reach the lost. As a Christian, being a part of Christ means being part of the church; to be apart from the church is to be apart from Christ.So ask yourself:How can I be more committed to the Word of God?At C3 Church, for example, I strive to open my door every morning to those who wish to receive a Proverbs devotional from me. I would be happy to text you a devotional to encourage you. If you haven't already, I urge you to try Bible study. We even have Bible resources in our app that you can access after the service or during lunch, allowing you to discuss them with friends and engage more deeply with the Word of God.Ask yourself: How can I be more intentional about building relationships with other believers? This engagement in fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer is vital. That's why, at C3 Church, we have our café. Right after church, we gather as the Word of God commands us to do, sharing fellowship and breaking bread, just like the Acts 2 church.Also, ask yourself: How can I use my gifts and talents to serve the church and reach the lost? Connect with us about serving at church, and explore how you can nurture and develop these gifts. The Church is the Body of Christ, the very vehicle of Christ, and you are called to be a part of that.We will close with this Scripture...Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.Amen.
©️ Copyright 2024 Gene Simco
Most Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scriptures in brackets reflect the original Biblical languages.
Good morning, everyone, and welcome, especially if you’re new with us today. My name is Gene, and I have the privilege of serving as your pastor here at C3 Church.In the past, we’ve asked the question: Can you be a Christian without going to church? To explore that, we’ve made a few comparisons. It's like being a student who refuses to attend school, a salesperson with no customers, a businessman stranded on a deserted island, or a soldier who won’t join an army. It’s also similar to someone calling themselves a member of a team but never actually playing the game—yet when a team wins, they say, “We won!”We find ourselves continuing in our series, The Reset. This has been a great series for beginners because we’re covering the basics. But it’s also resonating with long-time Christians. Many of them have been coming up to me throughout this series, asking, Are we doing it wrong? Have we been doing Christianity wrong?In response, we’re turning to the full counsel of God's Word, digging into what the Bible actually says—not what our culture says, not what we think, and not simply what’s been passed down to us over time. We're examining the Scriptures themselves to see what Christianity truly is.So, if you’ve found yourself wondering if you’ve been getting it wrong, this is your opportunity to reset.In the last section, we covered the Ten Commandments, the Sabbath, and the Lord’s Day, emphasizing the importance of gathering together on that day. We saw how the Sabbath shifted from Saturday to Sunday, and how this transition is reflected not only in the biblical account but also in early Christian writings.Now, let’s take a closer look at how church fits into this concept of the Lord’s Day.The biblical word for "church" is *Ecclesia* (εκκλησία). In the Bible, the word *church* is translated from the Greek word *ecclesia*, which literally means an assembly—a gathering together physically. When we talk about the church, we’re not referring to a building or necessarily an organization, although it can be both. The church is the body of Christ, and every Christian is a part of it. We see this clearly illustrated in Ephesians.Ephesians 1:22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.The church is not just an organization—it’s an organism. Christ is the head of this organism, or body, and we are the members of that body. When we study the history of the church, and we look to the the New Testament, we have the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—which detail the life, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. Beyond these four Gospels, we enter the book of Acts, which chronicles the history of the early church.Right at the beginning of Acts, we see Jesus ascending to heaven. Following this, the apostles choose a replacement for Judas—Matthias—and then we witness the momentous event of Pentecost. In the last section, we discussed the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, where the Ten Commandments were inscribed on tablets of stone. During this time, a dramatic scene unfolded—thundering sounds, a ram's horn, and a storm on Mount Sinai. Pentecost, as we see in Acts, was a festival celebrating this very event—the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai.At Pentecost in Acts, Jewish people from all over gathered to celebrate the festival. But here, among the believers, something extraordinary happens: the Holy Spirit descends upon them powerfully. The imagery echoes Mount Sinai, fulfilling the original Pentecost. But now, instead of the Law being written on tablets of stone, it is written on the people's hearts by the Holy Spirit—fulfilling the promises we discussed previously.Miracles begin to unfold. People speak in different languages, sharing the Gospel with everyone around them. It’s a remarkable event and, in a sense, a reversal of the Tower of Babel from Genesis 11. The crowd is stunned, and some even suspect the believers are drunk. But Peter quickly corrects them, explaining that it's only nine in the morning and far too early for that! Instead, what they are witnessing is the power of the Holy Spirit.Peter then delivers a powerful speech, quoting from the prophets—most notably Joel—who had foretold that in the last days, sons and daughters would prophesy. There are also other prophecies, such as those from Jeremiah and Ezekiel, which spoke of replacing the heart of stone (like the stone tablets) with a heart of flesh. We now see that fulfilled, as the Holy Spirit is actively working in the hearts of the believers.In his speech, Peter calls on the people to repent, turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. He promises that they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Remarkably, those who believed Peter’s message were baptized, and about 3,000 people were added to the church that day.From there, we see the early believers form a strong community, as described in Acts 2:42.Acts 2:42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to the breaking of bread [sharing meals] and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe [fear] came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the breaking of bread, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.Now, what we see here directly relates to what we do at C3 Church. There are four key points that are central to our church's foundation. If you’ve been in the auditorium, you may have noticed the four posters highlighting these principles: the Word, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayers. These were the pillars of the early church, and they are the same pillars we seek to emulate here at C3.You’ll also notice something else in Acts—there was a remarkable generosity among the believers, a kind of extreme generosity. I’d argue that this is one of the most underrated gifts of the Holy Spirit. We often focus on other gifts, which we’ll explore later, but very few seem to emphasize this spirit of generosity.Now, someone from a Western or American context might look at this and think, That sounds like communism. This is crazy. But we have to be cautious not to interpret the Word of God through the lens of our own culture. When we do that, we distort its meaning. We must approach the Bible for what it is, with hearts softened by the Holy Spirit, not hearts of stone.The early church was a model of generosity, and it was the Holy Spirit working through them in love that made it possible. If we continue in Acts, we see this clearly. Acts 4:32 says...Acts 4:32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. 34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. 36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.Once again, we see this extreme generosity continuing among the early believers. They were truly living out Jesus' commands. As a side note, when we consider their level of generosity, suggesting a donation of 10% to the church doesn’t seem so overwhelming, does it?Speaking of tithing, if we turn the page in Acts, we’re given another example, but this time it’s a negative one. We encounter Ananias and Sapphira, who sold some property. They had the freedom to do whatever they wanted with the money, but instead, they chose to lie about it to the apostles. Peter confronts them, saying they didn’t just lie to men, but to the Holy Spirit—to God Himself.As we continue reading, we also see the apostles facing persecution. The Jewish leadership beats them for their beliefs, but despite this, they rejoice. As 1 Thessalonians says, Rejoice always—and the apostles do, even in the face of suffering. They find joy in the fact that they are counted worthy to suffer humiliation for the sake of Jesus.This is the attitude they maintained. Acts records that, every day, both in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.Turning to Acts 6...Acts 6:1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”Let’s pause for a moment to reflect on those four foundational points we base our church activities on. It all begins with the Word. Leaders, biblically speaking, need to be teachers. In the early church, they had apostles. While we don’t necessarily have apostles in the same way today, the principle remains—leaders are called to teach.In Acts, we also see the choosing of deacons. The word deacon literally means servant in Greek. This is something I think many in the modern church often overlook. The original role of deacons was to serve, specifically to manage a food program, so that the apostles—today’s church leaders—could focus on the ministry of the Word and teaching.As we continue reading, we encounter Stephen, one of these deacons, and we witness his martyrdom. Stephen was willing to die for what he believed.Now, regarding the numbers of people in the early church, Acts tells us that there were 3,000 believers in chapter 4, and by this point, that number had grown to 5,000. The believers were gathered in one place, but remember what Jesus commanded in Matthew 28 and Acts 1: Go to the ends of the earth and make disciples.As we turn the page to Acts 8, we see...Acts 8:1 A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria.Some may point to the growing numbers of believers in Acts, but as we keep reading, we get clarity—they were stacking up instead of spreading out. This is a lesson that many churches today can learn. Not everyone is called to be a missionary or an apostle, but the responsibility to spread the gospel remains. The church is the cornerstone of that mission. Everything radiates out from the church, and this is a point emphasized throughout the book of Acts.Now, moving into Peter’s story in Acts 10, we see how God reveals to him, through a vision repeated three times, that the gospel is to go out to the Gentiles—to all people and all ethnicities, to the ends of the earth. The majority of Acts then shifts its focus to Paul, especially in his work of church planting. Paul’s mission is not just to spread the gospel but to plant churches. This shows us that the mission of the church and church planting go hand in hand.As we move beyond the book of Acts, it’s fascinating to note that much of the New Testament is written in the context of the church. Paul, for instance, writes many of his letters to churches he either planted or is encouraging. Romans is written to the church in Rome, even though Paul hasn’t visited there yet. First and Second Corinthians are letters to the church in Corinth, and we see Paul’s presence there in Acts 18.When we look further, we see letters to the churches in the region of Galatia. Ephesians is written to the church in Ephesus, and in Acts, Paul is certainly there. We even witness an incident of a riot in Acts 19. In Philippians, we know Paul was in Philippi, as recorded in Acts 16, and the believers there supported him during his imprisonment. The letter to the Colossians was sent to a church in Colossae, near Ephesus, though Paul may not have visited them personally. First and Second Thessalonians were written to the church in Thessalonica, where Paul had been, as described in Acts 17.Paul also writes to Timothy in First and Second Timothy, who is pastoring in Ephesus at the time. Timothy was left there by Paul to oversee the church as an elder for a season. Titus is left by Paul to pastor on the island of Crete. In Philemon, Paul writes to a leader in the church of Colossae.The book of Hebrews is addressed to a community of Jewish Christian believers, while James writes to the church, addressing issues happening within it. First and Second Peter are written to groups of Christians, the churches. First, Second, and Third John are also written to churches, addressing matters within the church. Jude’s letter is a warning about false teachers infiltrating the church.Lastly, the book of Revelation begins with letters to seven churches in Asia Minor. The first three chapters of Revelation are devoted to these churches and their spiritual conditions.
If we examine the history of the church beyond the New Testament, we find many early church fathers writing letters to one another. In fact, it’s said that if we collected all of their correspondence, we would have enough material to recreate the entire New Testament, even if we didn’t have it today. Among their writings, we find works such as First Clement, which was once considered by some in the early church to be Scripture. Clement himself is even mentioned in Philippians. We also looked at the Didache last week, which gives us insight into how the early church functioned. All of this highlights the centrality of the church and its development throughout early Christian history.
For a significant period, the church remained united, but that unity was eventually fractured by the Great Schism of 1054. While there had been disagreements and heresies, there hadn’t been any major splits until this point. The schism primarily involved two major groups: what we now call the Catholic Church in the West and the Orthodox Church in the East. One of the main theological disputes concerned the role of the Holy Spirit, but the critical issue was the establishment of the pope’s authority in the West.
The churches in the East, particularly the Orthodox Church, held to the tradition that leadership was more decentralized, and they argued that Peter, while a significant figure, was never meant to be the supreme leader of the entire church. If we look at the book of Acts, Peter is indeed prominent, but it was actually James, the brother of Jesus, who presided over the Jerusalem church and led the council there. This highlights that the early church’s leadership was not rooted in a singular papal figure, but rather in a group of overseers or elders. Figures like Titus in Crete or Timothy in Ephesus might be considered church fathers in their respective regions.
The 1054 split occurred when the Roman Catholic Church sought to establish a pope as the supreme authority, a move the Orthodox Church resisted, as it was not in line with the practices of the early church. This led to the Great Schism, and from then on, the Catholic and Orthodox Churches went their separate ways.Now, there are some pros and cons to the Orthodox approach. One thing I appreciate is that they maintained the use of the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint), which was the version used by the early church, rather than adopting the Latin Vulgate as the Catholic Church did. The Orthodox Bible’s canon and the organization of its books reflect what the early church would have recognized, unlike many of the Old Testament versions popular in the West today. However, there are elements of Orthodox tradition that are more reflective of the Byzantine era than of the original church, despite some claims to the contrary.On the Catholic side, we can see the problems that arose from intertwining the church with government, which is something the church should never do. The concept of a pope is not biblical, and this overreach eventually led to corruption and spiritual decline, paving the way for the Reformation.Fast forward 500 years, and we arrive at the Protestant Reformation. While the Reformation addressed many of the issues within the Catholic Church, it's important to recognize that Protestantism still carried over some of its predecessor’s problems. True Christianity, after all, does not need reformation. If the Reformers had aimed to go further back—beyond the medieval church—they might have aligned more closely with the biblical model of the church.Many modern Protestants don’t realize that they are essentially reformed Catholics. Martin Luther himself never intended to create a new denomination; he remained a Catholic priest until the end. His goal was to reform Catholicism, not to break away from it. This is why, when you visit a Lutheran church today, it often looks like a "lighter" version of Catholicism. Essentially, Protestant denominations are still branches of Catholicism, not branches of the Orthodox or the original biblical Christian church.With Protestantism, we have encountered a problematic branch. Instead of returning to the source, a significant mess has developed. It is estimated that there are now around 40,000 denominations, most of which are Protestant. As we've discussed before, denominations are not ideal. A notable aspect of many of these denominations is that they are often named after individuals.In First Corinthians, we see the initial problem within the church: the issue of pastor worship or people worship. Paul rebukes them, saying, “I’m glad I baptized none of you except the household of Stephanas, and maybe Crispus and Gaius.” He expresses relief that he did not baptize more, as they might then claim to be baptized in his name. He asks, "Who is Paul? Who is Apollos?" While Apollos may be an eloquent speaker, that is irrelevant. Some were following these figures by name, forming factions, and this is simply wrong.Today, we often hear individuals proclaiming, "I am a Calvinist," "I am a Catholic," or "I am a Lutheran." Paul would rebuke this by asking, "Were you baptized in the name of Calvin, Luther, or Christ?" In his letters to the churches in Corinth and Rome, as well as to the Ephesians, Paul calls for unity. He addresses the growing factions, especially between those identifying as "Jewish Christians" and "Gentile Christians," urging for unity among these groups without divisions.In First Corinthians, we see that pastor worship persists. People are venerating different leaders much like many denominations do today, placing individuals above the only one who truly matters: Christ. In First Corinthians 1:10, Paul writes, “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”According to the Word of God, a large majority of the church has been operating in pride and sin. We must heed Paul's call: let there be no divisions in the church. If we turn to Galatians 5, we find further confirmation that this division is indeed a sin.Galatians 5:19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.Just as we discussed casual sins, these issues are far from casual. We see behaviors like dissension, division, quarreling, and jealousy. Many denominations today pridefully celebrate this division, engaging in sins against fellow Christians, such as pride, dissension, hostility, and outbursts of anger. Even at a scholarly level, we observe individuals arguing and fighting over secondary principles instead of placing Christ at the center and identifying more with their denominations than with Him.This brings us to the church today. Unfortunately, the contemporary church often falls short of the example set by the early church. We have become divided by denominations, distracted by politics, and seemingly more focused on entertainment than on the Word of God. Have we neglected the Word of God? Acts 6 tells us that the apostles dedicated their time to prayer and teaching the Word. The early church was committed to studying and obeying the Scriptures.For instance, in First Timothy, Paul instructs Timothy to be immersed in the Scriptures, constantly nourished by them. We see the qualifications for church leaders outlined in First Timothy 3 and Titus, with the primary qualification being the ability to teach the Word of God. Church leaders must genuinely care for the church, yet today there is an alarming lack of commitment from teachers.I once heard a well-known Christian pastor and author claim that he reads the Bible about once a year. Upon further investigation, I discovered that this amounted to reading just 3.5 chapters a day. That’s disheartening; for a pastor, 3.5 chapters equate to roughly 15 minutes of reading, or perhaps half an hour if you’re a slow reader. If that’s the case, my advice is to reconsider becoming a pastor, as reading is essential to the role. The Bible itself calls for a far deeper commitment than merely 15 minutes a day; that hardly demonstrates devotion.
Can you think of an expert in any other field who only practices for 15 minutes a day? In the past, I was a martial artist, practicing for hours each day. My instrument of choice was the guitar, and there were times I would practice for six hours daily. Anyone skilled in their field would tell you the same: mastering your craft requires a significant investment of time. If teaching is your vocation, you should certainly be dedicating more than just 15 minutes a day to it. Reflect on your own career; if you excel at what you do, you likely spend more than eight hours a day on it.Sadly, pastors have increasingly become like politicians, minimizing their time in the Word in favor of catering to popular opinion. They listen to complaints about having “too much Scripture” or “too much Bible” in the church and focus more on entertainment than on education. Politicians are often codependent and people-pleasers, but true pastors are not politicians.The mega-church phenomenon today has transformed into a big business, often focused solely on filling seats. It appears that the emphasis is primarily on numbers, and many individuals seem to be motivated by monetary gain. This trend is precisely what the New Testament warns against repeatedly. In fact, one of the identifying features of false teachers is their pursuit of profit.We see this issue highlighted in Second Corinthians, where Paul addresses the church regarding the so-called “super apostles,” whom he mockingly critiques. The warnings in First Timothy, Philippians—especially chapter three—and the entire book of Jude all underscore the presence of false teachers driven by financial motives. It seems we have opted for marketing strategies instead of miracles, allowing commercialism and consumerism to infiltrate the church.People today are often more excited about what they might receive in their goodie bags upon entering the church lobby than about the richness of the Word of God. There is a greater enthusiasm for marketing than for the miracles that should define our faith. We now have what I would term "worshiptainment," where the focus shifts from spiritual nourishment to mere entertainment.This phenomenon results in not only ear-tickling messages but also in a culture of entertainment. It’s no longer solely about heartfelt worship but rather about who has the bigger, better band. The pursuit of fame extends to worship teams and pastors, as we witness celebrity worship leaders and celebrity pastors emerging in the church. Unfortunately, it seems that personalities have replaced Christ as the head of the church.We also face a significant issue with small groups. While small groups are necessary in larger churches to foster connection, their proliferation often leads to challenges. As churches grow, access to knowledgeable teachers and lead pastors becomes restricted. The problem persists when we water down the Word, as we often have less qualified individuals teaching concepts they may not fully grasp. If a pastor is only reading 3.5 chapters a day, what are the small group leaders reading? These individuals are expected to be teachers, as we learn in First Timothy 3.This situation gives rise to many unqualified individuals posing as pastors. Consequently, some people may opt for small groups instead of attending church services, mirroring the divisive nature of denominations and leading to even greater fragmentation within the body of Christ.We now encounter what I call the "checkbox church." When we approach church this way, individuals come for the show and leave without engaging in the essential elements of fellowship and breaking of bread. Without these two components, we are only experiencing half of what church is meant to be.I encountered significant resistance when I proposed initiating this practice in the café at our church. Even my mentor questioned whether it was feasible, focusing on logistics rather than the miracles and gifts that could flourish when the church operates fully as the body of Christ.Next, let's consider prayer.Have we allowed prayer to become merely a formality in traditional churches? Much of our prayer seems to be rote, merely going through the motions of liturgical practices. Even in modern churches, we risk transforming prayer into a lofty performance. Jesus addressed this in Matthew 6, instructing us to pray privately, away from the public eye. He warned against being hypocritical, sounding trumpets when giving to the poor, and this attitude extends to how we approach prayer. Have we treated it as a spectacle instead of an intimate conversation with God?In the early church, prayer was integral to their lives. They prayed together regularly and witnessed God move in powerful ways. 1 Thessalonians teaches us to pray without ceasing; prayer should be an intrinsic part of who we are, not merely a component of the church program. Nowadays, we often rely on programs rather than fostering a culture of prayer. Many ministries develop independently, operating outside the authority of the church, dictating how we should conduct our worship. Churches often buy into these trends for the sake of convenience.The Church has lost much of its authority. We now see rogue ministries and missions emerging outside the church's oversight, operating without accountability. These groups often come into established churches, instructing them on how to conduct their ministries and missions, undermining the authority that should reside within the local church.So, what is the church supposed to be? What is its purpose? While there are many functions in the world, a few key purposes stand out. First, we are called to evangelize to the lost; making disciples is central to our mission, and the church plays a crucial role in this process by helping new believers grow in their faith and develop a deeper understanding of God's Word. We should focus on natural multiplication of believers rather than relying on help-wanted ads.Additionally, we are to worship God in church—not ourselves or our emotions, but God alone. The church is also called to minister to those in need, both within our community and beyond, demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ. Moreover, God uses the church to reveal His wisdom.Ephesians 3:10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.Within that basic framework, we have a leadership structure based not on titles but on servant roles. Remember that Paul identifies himself as a slave of Christ. When we examine passages like 1 Timothy 3 and Titus chapter 1, we see the offices of the church: overseers, elders, and deacons. These roles differ from spiritual gifts; for instance, the term "pastor" refers to a gifting rather than an office of the church.Titus was sent to Crete to appoint elders in various cities, affirming the idea that Christ is the head of the church, not any individual pastor. We are all parts of the body of Christ, each with unique functions.This brings us to the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit distributes gifts and functions to each member as He sees fit, and these differ among individuals. Unfortunately, the Spirit has often been confined by programs. Ironically, even in the charismatic church, we encounter the concept of the "five-fold ministry," which attempts to categorize God's work but risks putting Him in a box. This perspective, drawn from Ephesians 4, does not fully consider the entirety of God's Word, which offers much more depth.Ephesians 4:11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.Now, these are merely examples that Paul provides in Ephesians. The context of Ephesians is unity; he is not attempting to list every single spiritual gift. We find a more comprehensive list in 1 Corinthians. Furthermore, it's important to emphasize that these are gifts of the Holy Spirit, not offices within the church. We need to read all of Scripture, considering the full context and counsel of God's Word. We see this principle reflected in Romans as well.Romans 12:6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.There is more to explore here, and if we are diligent, we should continue reading. Unlike Ephesians, 1 Corinthians actually provides us with a numbered list of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12.1 Corinthians 12:27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:first are apostles,second are prophets,third are teachers,then those who do miracles,those who have the gift of healing,those who can help others,those who have the gift of leadership,those who speak in unknown languages.29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! 31 So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts.Note some of the gifts Paul mentions here. Importantly, the Word of God does not say that everyone has the gift of healing or the gift of tongues, contrary to what some Pentecostal groups might claim. Scripture clarifies that it is not the case that all believers will speak in tongues when baptized. The Word of God unequivocally states this. The essential point, however, is that all of these letters emphasize unity. Paul urges us to desire the most helpful gifts, not the flashy ones.What does this mean for us? Just like the early church in the book of Acts, C3 strives to embody the principles of Acts 2—being devoted to the Word of God, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. You are a part of that church. The church is not merely a pastor or a building; it is you. You are the body of Christ. He has gifted you in unique ways to help build up the church and reach the lost. As a Christian, being a part of Christ means being part of the church; to be apart from the church is to be apart from Christ.So ask yourself:How can I be more committed to the Word of God?At C3 Church, for example, I strive to open my door every morning to those who wish to receive a Proverbs devotional from me. I would be happy to text you a devotional to encourage you. If you haven't already, I urge you to try Bible study. We even have Bible resources in our app that you can access after the service or during lunch, allowing you to discuss them with friends and engage more deeply with the Word of God.Ask yourself: How can I be more intentional about building relationships with other believers? This engagement in fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer is vital. That's why, at C3 Church, we have our café. Right after church, we gather as the Word of God commands us to do, sharing fellowship and breaking bread, just like the Acts 2 church.Also, ask yourself: How can I use my gifts and talents to serve the church and reach the lost? Connect with us about serving at church, and explore how you can nurture and develop these gifts. The Church is the Body of Christ, the very vehicle of Christ, and you are called to be a part of that.We will close with this Scripture...Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.Amen.
©️ Copyright 2024 Gene Simco
Most Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scriptures in brackets reflect the original Biblical languages.