What would it take for the church of today to grow like the church of the first century? I am always encouraged when I read about the growth of the early church. “The Lord added to the church daily” (Acts 2:47); “And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women” (Acts 5:14); “the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly” (Acts 6:7). In the midst of often “dying” congregations, it behooves us to ask what would it take for the church today to grow like it did yesterday. Back to the Basics!
First, the church of the first century was concerned with a clear proclamation (cf. Acts 2:14:41). Sadly, many sermons today are mere mishmash or a few random thoughts, with the occasional allusion to the Bible at best. In many sermons often little Scripture is used, sin is generalized and the clear plan of salvation is often reduced to “if you have a need, come.” However, such was not the case in Jerusalem A.D. 33. Peter clearly proclaimed Scripture (Acts 2:16-21), by quoting the Old Testament prophet Joel (cf. Joel 2:28-32). Peter’s sermon was “chucked full” of God’s Word and was woven together in an understandable way. The “meat” of Peter’s sermon was Scripture, not cute stories, philosophical meanderings or discourses of man’s wisdom. Peter preached only the “oracles of God” (cf. 1 Peter 4:11). Peter also clearly proclaimed sin (Acts 2:22-36).
Sadly, many, even among our fellowship, disdain “hard preaching” against anything that directly involves someone in the audience. “You might offend them” or “You may run them off” is the often-stated mentality. However, Peter knew nothing of such a mindset, for he did not say “someone” crucified Jesus, but rather “ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain” (Acts 2:23). Peter did not blame the folks outside of Jerusalem; he did not generalize the sin committed, nor did he reduce this terrible sin to a mere “blunder.” He rather unashamedly affirmed, “let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Peter loved these folks enough to tell them the truth (cf. Galatians 4:16). How refreshing! Peter also clearly proclaimed salvation (Acts 2:37-41).
The goal of any Gospel sermon is to proclaim the Gospel, which is at the heart of salvation (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)! How sad it is when men have the blessed opportunity of telling others what they must do to be saved, and they fail to say it. No honest person could have left that Jerusalem assembly not knowing the plain and power plan of salvation. Because Peter told the hearers how to be saved, we read, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41).
Let us get back to the basics! Let us never reduce God’s power to save (cf. Romans 1:16) to a program or a gimmick. Let us stop being uninformed of the Scriptures and let us start sharing it; let us stop being unsure of what sin is, and let us start speaking out against it. Let us stop being uncomfortable about the plan of salvation, and let us start spreading it! Back to the basics will bring a much-needed revival in the church of today. “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls…” (Jeremiah 6:16a). May we begin our journey today – Back to the Basics!
