When the church was born at Pentecost it experienced immediate growth as Jews from all over the known world had descended on Jerusalem to observe the Feast of Weeks which celebrated the giving of the Torah or Law. These “Christians” affirmed Jesus as Lord - rather than the State and while they enjoyed the favour of most people - that allegiance to Jesus also brought persecution that scattered them throughout the Mediterranean. Regardless of continual threats no matter where they went - they spoke to all about the Good News of Jesus.
This week we’ll look at the rise of the early church and several unifying themes that defined the church. One thing seems clear - the idea of church membership runs through everything. To be a Christian was to belong to a church. Looking to Christ as Lord means being united to Christ’s people - like how being adopted means you’ll quickly find yourself at a dinner table with brothers and sisters.
