I have seen many churches preaching about prosperity as if it were the most important thing in life.
I agree we can be prosperous and that having money and possessions is also our right. What worries me is the relentless pursuit of money, wealth, and the ostentation on social media.
Many believers are showing off their cars, houses, watches, and designer clothes.
I even see people promoting prosperity coaching in churches.
We are living in the last days, and this is not the time to seek riches but to awaken.
The church will undergo a reset, and we will have to return to the customs of the early church if we want to ascend.
There will come a time when we will no longer have churches, and we will gather in each other's homes.
There will be persecution, and they may tear and burn our Bibles, but if we keep the Word of God in our hearts, no one will be able to take it away from us.
And if we know the truth, which is the Word of God, we will not fall into the traps set by the enemy of our souls.
I have prepared this study on the early church so we can look to the disciples as an example: of how they behaved, shared things, and grew.
Nowadays, we have many churches, but few are preparing for the Lord’s coming.
Let's remember the parable of the virgins. Those who were prepared went to meet the bridegroom, and those who were not remained behind.
Characteristic of the early church
1. Strong Sense of Community & Fellowship
Believers met in homes for prayer, worship, and communal meals (Acts 2:42-47).
They shared possessions and helped those in need, emphasizing unity and mutual care.
2. Apostolic Teaching & Doctrine
Teachings were based on the apostles’ witness of Jesus, emphasizing His resurrection and lordship.
Scripture (Old Testament) and oral tradition played key roles in instructing new believers.
3. Persecution & Martyrdom
Early Christians faced opposition from Jewish authorities and later from the Roman Empire.
Many, including Stephen and Polycarp, were martyred for their faith.
4. Evangelism & Growth
The message spread rapidly despite persecution, reaching Jews and Gentiles across the Roman world.
Missionary efforts by apostles like Paul were crucial in establishing churches in various regions.
5. Baptism & Eucharist as Central Practices
Baptism symbolized entry into the faith and was often by immersion.
The Eucharist (Lord’s Supper) was a key act of worship, commemorating Jesus’ death and resurrection.
6. Leadership Structure
Initially led by apostles, then elders (presbyters) and bishops oversaw local churches.
Deacons served practical needs, such as helping the poor (Acts 6:1-6).
7. Commitment to Holiness & Ethical Living
Christians were called to live differently from the pagan world, rejecting idolatry, immorality, and violence.
They practiced love, humility, and forgiveness, often caring for the sick and poor.
8. Use of Creeds & Confessions
Short doctrinal statements (e.g., "Jesus is Lord") helped unify beliefs and combat heresy.
The Apostles’ Creed developed as a summary of Christian faith.
9. Expectation of Christ’s Return
Early Christians lived with a strong belief in Jesus’ imminent return.
This shaped their sense of urgency in spreading the Gospel.
10. Underground Worship & Symbolism
Due to persecution, Christians met secretly in catacombs and used symbols like the fish (Ichthys) to identify one another.
The Early Church laid the foundation for Christian doctrine, worship, and community life, shaping Christianity for centuries to come.
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