The Church could hardly boast of her own buildings for the first 200 years of her birth, yet those 2 centuries still hold some of the greatest experiences and faith expressions that led to the REMARKABLE SPREAD of the message of God's Kingdom.
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They typically met in homes.
The first actual church building to be found according to recorded history is at Duro Europos on the Euphrates, dating about 231A.D.
They had no access to the mass media of their day, let alone the sophisticated platforms we're privileged to access today.
SO WHAT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR HER EXPLOSIVE GROWTH OVER THOSE 2 CENTURIES?
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THE FAITH SPREAD as believers embodied and expressed the faith and love of Jesus Christ, serving God and living in true love, serving their neighbours in sincerity.
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They loved their enemies.
Abandoned magic arts and manipulation.
They were no longer lovers of money.
They shared what they had and showed contentment with gratitude.
Moreso, They were willing to die for their faith.
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THIS WAS NO LIP SERVICE.
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This was real and radical.
These disciples raised other disciples who raised other disciples.
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The people around them believed their message because it was clear that they were increasingly like Jesus in word and in deed.
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It seems we don't see too much of that in many parts of the church today.
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We may have become so enamored by ACQUISITIONS, that we've begun to deviate from the original MISSION.
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Could it be that many have become so consumed with BILLIONS, BUDGETS and BUILDINGS that they don't pay adequate attention to THE TRUE BUILDING of human lives?
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"However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says..."
Acts 7:48
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"God, who made the world and EVERYTHING in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands...He gives to all life, breath, and all things."
Acts 17:24-25
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Our buildings, technological tools, smart software and modern day resources should HELP US ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION but not REPLACE OUR MISSION.
Those things should not be THE END we strive to reach but tools by which may RAISE PEOPLE for the Kingdom.