The Life of the Church

Discernment is needed when we read about the habits of the New Testament church. That which was meant to describe the life of the church throughout all ages is to be extracted and applied, while other aspects—such as their clothing, diet, and even performance of miracles—are not to be, or cannot be, reproduced today. What is left is a core of teaching and prayer, the very same fundamental duties which the apostles would later protect through the appointment of deacons. The teaching itself is about Christ and him crucified, and anything else will somehow point to that one great issue. Prayer is our reaction to the teaching, as we praise God and cash-in his promises. However, these "formal" elements of church life are not enough. What shines through here is the picture of a family. It is a community which is none other than the Kingdom of God on earth. This community is to be so obvious to outsiders that it complements the direct evangelism. Believers should frequently eat together, share possessions, and generally work towards this model of church life which is the one commended by Jesus Christ himself.