Last time, we shared in grace through a warning message about "gaps." The devil never misses those gaps. This month, we must consider: how can we prevent gaps from forming in the church? That is why, among the many churches in Scripture, we want to share in grace together by learning from the way God approved of the early church's method of operation — and how the church stood in stability and revival when these five pillars upheld it.
So what are these five areas of church ministry?
The secret of the early church's remarkable growth was not in its organization or buildings, but in the church's essential ministries. The very first of these was the ministry of gospel proclamation.
It means "________ proclaiming the king's command." In other words, it is the proclamation of the gospel that declares Jesus Christ as King.
The church's first mission is the ministry of proclaiming and spreading the message that Jesus is the Christ. It is not about shouting inward, but about the ministry of proclaiming the gospel outward.
The early church was one that boldly proclaimed Jesus' _______, ___________, and salvation.
Following this command of Jesus, it is not mere information transfer but _______ education that transforms lives. The early church did not simply evangelize — they continuously taught the Word.
Therefore, the believers did not remain mere converts but grew as disciples. Jesus also commanded us to raise up disciples. That is how the church became a community of disciples.
At that time, the early church was convinced that Jesus would return very soon, so they felt nothing was too precious to give up materially. Those who had much gave generously, and those who had little shared according to need — they shared all of life together. That is why, no matter whose home they visited, they could break bread together with gladness and sincerity of heart.
The believers of the early church were not merely a gathering — they were a community that shared life together.
At that time, there were disputes and complaints between the Hellenistic Jews and the native Hebrews over the church's service and ministry. When this happened, the twelve apostles gathered for a meeting.
They decided to select seven men full of __________ and ________ and entrust this work to them — and who were these people? They are the famous seven deacons. Let us read together:
These seven ordained deacons took charge of ___________ work — caring for the poor, the widows, and those in need, serving both in church matters and in household matters — while the apostles were able to focus on teaching _________ and offering ________. As a result, the church grew in a stable manner.
The fundamental reason they gathered and lived in community was ________.
The church gathers because of worship — when ____________ becomes the main purpose, it ultimately becomes a gathering unrelated to God.
The early church:
When these five ministries were in balance, the church grew in a healthy way. Without anything flashy or spectacular, the church grows when it is faithful to the basics and devoted to its calling. We believe that Gerizim Hope Presbyterian Church will also become a precious church where these five pillars are established and God is always with us.