ydouxist said:
Why is the church today so different from the early church?
This has bothered me for quite a while.
Is it our fault? Are we missing something?
I have to add, that there are going to be differences from beginnings and endings that have to be recognized, just as we do in life. The Bible says that better is the end of a thing than the beginning - suggesting difference (Ecc. 7:8). I don't expect the Church to be exactly like the first Church in practical respects, but I do think their should be a close resemblance, with no change of the doctrine of the Gospel, otherwise there would be a curse attached (Gal.1:8).
Having more of an impact on our communities with the poor and needy would be letting a light shine by our good works to the world, instead of lip service about following after the sacrificing and giving Lord, Jesus. These are the things He asks about when He returns: Did you feed me, clothe me, visit me, given me shelter while a stranger....? When you do it to the least of men, you do it unto the Lord, as Christians know by the Bible's words, yet, I see many people walk away with little help from others supposedly strong in faith (Matt.25:31-45).
Luke 6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
1 Cor. 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And
those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
25
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Also, there is much greed being stimulated today in God's name, and people of God are being made merchandise of by shepherds willing to feed from the flock, as the prophets and disciples spoke and wrote about..
2 Peter2:1 ¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 ¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.