Tag: early church
-
Didache- Final Words
Didache 16 The Apostles or Apostolic Fathers close their Didache with a final exhortation and admonition. Christ will return. People will be judged. There will be deceivers who lead people astray by performing great signs. The people of God should not waste their lives. They should gather together frequently to receive what is necessary for…
-
Didache- The Sunday Gathering
Didache 14 The Apostles or Apostolic Fathers deal with the worship gathering’s place in Christian life so that new Christians and young churches can know. Part of the local church’s organization means meeting once a week, particularly on Sunday, for the purpose of observing the eucharist (the Lord’s Supper or Communion), confession of our sins…
-
Didache- Tithes and Offerings in the First Century
Didache 13 The Apostles or Apostolic Fathers, summarizing Biblical practice for young local churches and new believers, even deal with the giving of tithes and offerings in the local church. Every true prophet, one who works hard at professing God’s word correctly and applying it rightly, is worthy of his food. The Apostles’ teaching reflects…
-
Didache- Healthy Church Membership
Didache 12 In chapter 12, the Apostles or Apostolic Fathers deal with hospitality in the local church gathering particularly concerning the provision of needs. There is a temptation in some local churches to feel a pressing need to provide everyone’s immediate needs at all times. In other local churches, there is a resistance to provide…
-
Didache- The Lord’s Supper In The Early Church
Chapters 9-10 The Apostles and the Apostolic Fathers considered the eucharist (transliteration from Greek, meaning communion or The Lord’s Supper). The authors give instructions about how young churches and new believers should begin understanding the eucharist as basic church practice. I want to notice a couple things. First, it is done in thanksgiving—celebration of what…
-
I don’t feel like I’m accomplishing anything…
I often think about where I am and wonder how I got here from the small town of Elgin, Oklahoma. I think about my humble beginnings and my awkward transition into adulthood. I think about the fact that I was one of the greatest introverts you would ever meet: I mean I hated being around…
-
Is Your Church Healthy?
What is a healthy church? Is a healthy church one that is always growing? Is it one that never experiences deficit or one that has a certain number of members? Does a healthy church support missions? Is it part of an association or of a certain denomination? Does it…