The First Church was not the perfect Church

July 24, 2001

You would think that with such criticism, disappointment, and shaming you were hearing someone take swipes at a political enemy during an election year. But actually, such a condemning tone has become fashionable towards the current state of The Church in America. Turn to the best selling Christian books, the popular media Pastors, and especially the typical Christian conference speakers on the circuit. The drive-by insults paint a picture of Christians who lack commitment, are shallow, materialistic, and are missing the mark in nine out of ten categories.

I’ve noticed that this message is appealing to many young leaders and church people who have been hurt by a church. I’ve seen stadiums filled with well meaning and eager Christians who stand to their feet and applaud as the dirty laundry of the church is exposed. They eat this up and often find themselves looking down upon other churches, pastors, leaders … and often their own.

Certainly we all have enough of our stories to confirm that no church or Christian is perfect. Interestingly enough, though, such self-appointed Christian police use the early church as the mark in which today’s church falls short. I can hear their mantra now:  “We want to be just like the early church!” Well, not so fast. You might want to think that through. There is a big difference between the early church being the first church and being the perfect church.

·          `      The rich were given the best seats and the poor made to sit on the floor. (James 2)
·      The Corinthian church refused to confront a man sleeping with his father’s wife.
(1 Corinthians 5:1-8)
·      Church leaders had sharp disputes and strong disagreements, some of which could not be resolved and caused separation. (Acts 15:1-15, 36-41)
·      Christians had become lazy and complacent, unwilling to work. They possibly thought Jesus would soon return. (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13)
·      The church was unwilling to share the gospel with Gentiles.  (Acts 10)
·      Christians showed off their giving to look impressive. (Acts 5:1-4)
·      Christians flirted and fell into heresy. (Galatians 1:6-10)
·      Christians were suing each other. (1 Corinthians 6:1-6)

Of course, this was not true of every church or every Christian, which we would do well to remember about the criticism we hear today. Jesus promised he would build His church, not because of us, but despite us. Yes, we don’t have it all down, but neither did the first church ... and you know what? God used them to turn the world upside down.

If you’re looking for a perfect church, perfect leaders, perfect families, perfect worship, and a perfect staff and Pastor, don’t come to BridgePointe. But if you desire to engage in a sweat and fight to follow after Jesus in everyday life, you’re invited to rise with us as we strive to be the beautiful Bride that God envisioned. (Ephesians 5:25-28)