Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6.7

The first Church

It is unlikely that believers, even really sincere and growing believers, practicing their faith as individuals only, could have had the kind of impact in the first century that we see in the Book of Acts.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for edifying of the body of Christ… Ephesians 4.11, 12

Saints and members

The “saints” of the Lord, according to the New Testament, are all those who truly believe in Jesus Christ and in whom the Holy Spirit is working to flesh out their salvation (Phil. 2.13). The saints are thus members of Christ’s Body, and the health of the whole Body of Christ depends upon the health and contribution of each member of the Body.

Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 1 Corinthians 12.27

Four levels of “church”

In the New Testament the term “church” is applied at four levels among the community of believers.

ReVision studies are designed for individual or group us and explore various aspects of the Christian worldview. A typical study is seven lessons long and includes questions for discussion or reflection and action steps designed to help bring what you are learning into your walk with and work for the Lord Jesus. All ReVision studies are available in free PDF format and may be duplicated for group use.

And he put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Ephesians 1.22, 23

Keeping pace?

The increasing decline and cultural marginalization of Christianity in America and the West is beginning to be a cause for alarm on the part of many believers.

Foundations of a Worldview

Exodus 20.5, 6

“For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generationsof those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”

Foundations of a Worldview

Numbers 20.6-8
And the glory of the LORDappeared to them. Then the LORDspoke to Moses, saying, “Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals.” 

Foundations of a Worldview

Exodus 23.23, 24

“For My angel will go before you and bring you to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the Hivites and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off. You shall not bow down to their gods, nor serve them…” 

Foundations of a Worldview

Genesis 3.1

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORDGod had made. 

Foundations of a Worldview

Deuteronomy 5.29

“Oh that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might go well with them and with their children forever!” 

Foundations of a Worldview

Deuteronomy 6.5
“You shall love the LORDwith all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

Foundations of a Worldview

Deuteronomy 6.5

“You shall love the LORDwith all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”