How does the Body Mature.
For over 2000 years the Body of Christ has been growing to maturity. At first the believers were tested as false teachings arose. Then we see that the Holy Spirit brings the truth and believers stand firm. Here are the significant stages of the Holy Spirit guiding the Body of believers into all the truth of Christ and His purposes.
` And they (believers) continued steadfastly in the Apostle`s doctrine (teaching) and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers......and breaking bread from house to house, the ate their food with gladness of heart. `(Acts 2: 42 & 46)
The believers shared food, fellowship, and prayed together joyfully. There was no man made religious organisations, for the Holy Spirit enabled each to share. (Col. 3: 16)
Paul warned the believers that after he was gone there would come in evil men who would bring in false doctrines that would scatter the flock. This was the time when false teachers, prophets and apostles arose.
2. Formalism - Dark Ages. (3rd C - 1500`s)
It wasn`t long before there was a gradual decline in understanding of truth. Bishops substituted for Apostles, and formalism instead of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The gatherings became formal and institutionalised, connecting even to the State. Other errors were - infant baptism instead of for adult believers and penance indulgences for salvation instead of belief in Christ. This continued for many centuries.
`For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.` (Acts 20: 29)
3. Awakening of Spiritual Truth. (1500`s - 1900)
Although there were very formal and rigid meetings, many people still had a living faith. These believers were often persecuted and many died as martyrs.
In the 1500`s there was a significant spiritual awakening amongst some of the believers. They gathered together in houses and believed in Jesus as their Saviour and Lord.
Later many came to the revelation of their need to be baptised in water as an outward sign of their confession of faith in Jesus as Lord and saviour.
For over 2000 years the Body of Christ has been growing to maturity. At first the believers were tested as false teachings arose. Then we see that the Holy Spirit brings the truth and believers stand firm. Here are the significant stages of the Holy Spirit guiding the Body of believers into all the truth of Christ and His purposes.
- The Early Believers. (AD Pentecost - 3rd century)
` And they (believers) continued steadfastly in the Apostle`s doctrine (teaching) and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers......and breaking bread from house to house, the ate their food with gladness of heart. `(Acts 2: 42 & 46)
The believers shared food, fellowship, and prayed together joyfully. There was no man made religious organisations, for the Holy Spirit enabled each to share. (Col. 3: 16)
Paul warned the believers that after he was gone there would come in evil men who would bring in false doctrines that would scatter the flock. This was the time when false teachers, prophets and apostles arose.
2. Formalism - Dark Ages. (3rd C - 1500`s)
It wasn`t long before there was a gradual decline in understanding of truth. Bishops substituted for Apostles, and formalism instead of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The gatherings became formal and institutionalised, connecting even to the State. Other errors were - infant baptism instead of for adult believers and penance indulgences for salvation instead of belief in Christ. This continued for many centuries.
`For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.` (Acts 20: 29)
3. Awakening of Spiritual Truth. (1500`s - 1900)
Although there were very formal and rigid meetings, many people still had a living faith. These believers were often persecuted and many died as martyrs.
In the 1500`s there was a significant spiritual awakening amongst some of the believers. They gathered together in houses and believed in Jesus as their Saviour and Lord.
Later many came to the revelation of their need to be baptised in water as an outward sign of their confession of faith in Jesus as Lord and saviour.
