What the Lord is doing today is much more than simply attending a church service – it is about His people being the Church. It is about discovering and walking in the destiny and dominion that we have as the people of God in the earth today.
1 Peter 2:5 …you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:9 …you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
His people are consecrated and sacred. Yet, there is still so much emphasis and focus on the building where the church meets, on the physical altar and all the trappings. Don’t get me wrong; I am not disrespecting people and their heritage or practices. I am speaking of that which is heavenly – the heavenly reality of God in His people!
Being the Church
The Lord is speaking about what He has been doing and what He continues to do in His people on the earth today.
This is more than meetings or events; it is about walking with God and having conversations, even transformational conversations.
Conversations we have individually with the Lord, and corporately with others (two or more gathered in His name).
Conversations where people “tune in” to the Lord, and focus on Him and what He is saying and what He is doing in the earth.
Conversations about what is happening now – for now is the day of the Lord, now is the day of salvation, now is when people have eternal life, and now when there is the abundant life.
Reviewing the Birth of the NT Church
The following is a review of some of what led to the birth of the Church.
In the Old Testament times, God would visit His people at times and seasons. He also dwelt in the Ark, in the midst of the camp of His people Israel. But now we are the temples of the Holy Ghost. (1 Cor 6:19) – For He dwells in His people.
John 14, 15, 16 – in these chapters Jesus tells the Disciples that He must go to the Cross; but He would not leave them alone. He shared all about the sending of the Holy Spirit, all the benefits, and all about abiding and being His friends.
John 17 – this is where Jesus prayed very powerfully and prophetically about what was coming forth
Luke 24 - after the crucifixion, Jesus had a discussion with the two on the Road to Emmaus;
Luke 24:32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”
Luke 24:49 – a command from Jesus
“Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
And then from this promise from Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Finally, in Acts 2 there came Pentecost, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, with all kinds of signs and wonders, then a powerful time of preaching by Peter, followed up by 3000 being added to the Church.
Acts 2:40-47 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
The Lord added to the Church daily – but it did not stop there, for we see the work “multiplied” starting to be used later in the book of Acts, (see in chapters 6, 7, 9, and 12).
This is a model of ongoing revival - these ongoing conversations. This is about meeting in the synagogues and meeting in houses, praying together, sharing meals, teaching, and living to share, preach, and proclaim the Gospel and the fullness of relationship with Jesus. A relationship that is both personal and corporate.
We are the Church!
