*** This blog was originally posted online 2/1/22.
The next generation must be taught the distinctiveness of the Lord’s church. We introduced this concept in the previous blog. With this understanding, we need to teach the next generation that the church is distinctive in several are as:
Its age is a distinctive feature. It began on the first Pentecost after Jesus' resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:1-47). Any church that began earlier than that is too young. One that began later than that is too old. The gospel was to go forth from Jerusalem, (Isaiah 2:2-4) and this prophecy was fulfilled on Pentecost in Acts 2.
The worship of the New Testament church was unique. It was in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Early saints met on the first day of the week, the Lord’s day (Revelation 1:10), for the purpose of partaking of the Lord supper (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30). This was and is done to remember Jesus (Luke 22:19). On the Lord’s Day there were prayers (1 Timothy 2:8; Acts 2:42), the giving of one's means (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), the teaching of God’s Word (Acts 2:42), and lifting up of voices in Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in praise to God (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
Another distinguishing mark of the New Testament church is its mission. The mission of the church is to preach the gospel to the lost world (Mark 16:15; Romans 10:13-18; Luke 19:18; Acts 5:42). The church is not in the entertainment business, but in the business of saving souls.
Yet another distinctive feature is the singularity of the church. The church spoken of by Jesus was one (Matthew 16:18). The church that began on Pentecost was one (Acts 2:47). The second chapter of Acts is a history of the beginning of the church.
The next generation must be taught the distinctiveness of the Lord’s church. It is our responsibility to do the job. If we fail to teach, and our children fail to learn, the church will have an uphill climb. Teach. Your. Children.
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Billy
Please check out the following websites: Getting To Know Your Bible (www.gettingtoknowyourbible.com) and Summerdale Church of Christ (www.summerdalechurch.org).