Understanding Early Christian Worship

1. Gathering of Believers:

   Following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, early Christians gathered in homes closely with each other. One of the first gatherings was after the Ascension of Jesus Christ in an upper room.

   "Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went up to the upstairs room where they were staying, that is, Peter, John, James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. All these were continually devoting themselves with one mind to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." Acts 1:12-14 NASB

2. Sharing of possessions:

   The early apostles had everything in common according to scripture. The early church was marked by profound sincerity and giving. True worship comes from the heart and cultivates a deep personal relationship with God. The early church did not value anything over God including profits and personal belongings.

   "Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need." Acts 2:43-45 NASB

3. Prayer

   The act of prayer played a crucial role in early Christian worship. Early Christians frequently gathered to pray collectively, seeking guidance and strength from God.

   "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42 NASB

4. Devotion to learning the scripture

   The sharing of teachings, derived from the scriptures and the teachings of the apostles, was integral to worship. The early Christians deepened their understanding of the Gospel and supported one another in their spiritual growth.

   "All these were continually devoting themselves with one mind to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." Acts 1:14 NASB

   "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42 NASB

5. Continuing with one mind

   Every believer had the same motive to follow Christ and spread the Gospel.

   "Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:46-47 NASB

Ultimately, the early Christian church set a foundation for worship that valued authenticity and relationship with Jesus Christ. As modern believers reflect on these practices, we can recognize the enduring significance of gathering together, sharing of possessions, faithful prayer, devotion to scripture, and being of "one mind."

How can we mirror the early Christian Church?

1. Do not forsake gathering together

   The gathering together with fellow believers is mentioned in the Bible multiple times throughout Acts and in Hebrews. As Christians it is crucial that we meet together so that we may be encouraged and grow our relationship with Jesus Christ.

   "All these were continually devoting themselves with one mind to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." Acts 1:14 NASB

   "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42 NASB

   "Not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:25 NASB

2. Sharing with Believers

   The Bible mentions sharing of our possessions with others. We should not give into greed or idolatry but instead love others.

   "We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. ..." 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15 ESV

"No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Luke 16:13 ESV

"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38 ESV

"Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need." Acts 2:43-45 NASB

3. Prayer

   Prayer is obvious but we as Christians should never stop praying.

   "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." Colossians 4:2 ESV

   "Pray without ceasing," 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV

4. Devotion to Scripture

   We should continue to learn, read, and know scripture. As Christians having scripture committed to memory helps in our daily spiritual battles.

   "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching." 1 Timothy 4:13 ESV

   "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

5. Continuing in the same mind

   Today we tend to get caught up in small arguments of what tends to be more religion than relationship with Christ. Having the same motive and being at peace with one another is an important element to reflect the early church.

   "To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you would inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8 NASB

   "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Romans 12:18 ESV

The Church today should not be so different from the early church in Acts. Early believers recognized the significance of immersing themselves in the Word of God, which profoundly influenced their faith. Modern believers can draw inspiration from these practices by prioritizing gathering, scripture, prayer, sharing belongings, and peacemaking. Embracing each of these aspects in daily life through personal devotions and reflection can reinforce nurture a deeper relationship with God.