Foundations and Vision chapter 1

Aim:

• To learn the beginning of Christian Churches.

• To study what is common to all churches.

Verse: Colossians 1:18

The beginning of Christian Church: Refer to Acts Chapter 1 & 2.

When:

• The events in the first chapter of the Book of Acts took place between 29-30 A.D.

• These events all occurred within 50 days of Jesus’ resurrection.

• The events in the second chapter of the Book of Acts took place between 29-30 A.D.

• These events occurred approximately 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection

Where:

• The major events of Acts 1 happened in-and-around the city of Jerusalem.

• Jesus ascended near the town of Bethany, just east of Jerusalem (Luke 24:50).

Characters:

• Jesus - The Messiah. At the end of Luke’s gospel, He died and resurrected on the 3rd day.

• 11 Apostles - Jesus’ disciples and witnesses of His resurrection.

• 2 Men at the Ascension - Two men (likely angels) dressed in white robes who spoke to the Apostles after Jesus ascended to Heaven.

• Matthias - The man chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as the 12th Apostle.

• Holy Spirit - God’s Spirit who empowered the Apostles to continue Jesus’ work on earth.

Ordinary people became extraordinary when they received the power of the Holy Spirit.

Church grew rapidly in spite of oppression and persecution from other religious leaders, and Roman government who consider the Christians as anti-nationalists.

In 4th century, Roman Emperor Constantine accepted Christianity and granted freedom of religion through the Edict of Milan.

The church exists for its mission.

• The mission of the church.

• How to grow the mission of the church.

The Apostles were told to wait in Jerusalem until God empowered them with His Holy Spirit. It was only after receiving the Spirit that they could move forward.

Dependence on God’s power and guidance are essential for the success of the Church. Just like the Apostles, ambitions should be grounded in the power of God working through us, not on the cleverness of our own plans and ingenuity.

When making decisions, even when the answer seems clear, we should ask God for help.

Committing your life to Christ is a HUGE commitment and should not be entered into lightly.

Characteristics common to all Churches

• The church is Holy: People are set apart for the rule of God. In the world of sin and chaos, the church continually struggles to maintain her true character and holiness.

• The church is catholic, that is universal, in its relation to all people of faith in Jesus Christ.

• The church is apostolic. The disciples of Christ were sent by the Lord with a commission to bear witness to the gospel. We are born as the result of the apostolic preaching.

• The church is a worshipping community as we acknowledge the Lordship of God in Christ and adores God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, i.e., the God as the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sustainer.

• The church is a pilgrim community. Through worship, the community is sustained, fed and strengthened for the journey. The goal of the church through its constant mission is to continue the offering for all people at the altar of the Lord.