Keep it Simple

We live in a world of sophistication. Simple things almost have no meaning or value. It's funny that the more sophisticated things are the more expensive it gets, and people go for it. The Christian world is not very much different. It seems that technique, and technology have taken the place of the Spirit of God in the Church! The modern Church can have all that it could have in material goods and equipment, but where is the manifested presence of God?

I remember the time when we used to pray until the Lord met with us. We waited in His presence until we knew that He had spoken. We had reserved the time on the Lord's day for Him and Him alone. There were no schedules to keep, no people to party after service, no appointments that kept us from touching the hem of His garment! There was no football match to see after service. No! nothing took our time except being in His presence till He showed up! And He did show up with healing power! He showed up when demons were cast out. He showed up when people started to forgive each other and reconcile with each other. He showed up because we wanted Him and Him alone!

The early Church followed simple practices, which resulted in the phenomenal growth of the body of believers. Here are some examples: You see the method may have changed but the message is the same.

Receiving the promise: “Then they that gladly received the word were baptized: and the same day were added unto them about 3000 souls! (Acts 2 41) How did one message have the power to change the lives of so many people? It was simple obedience to what Jesus said that they should not leave Jerusalem unless they receive the promised Holy Spirit.(Acts1:4-5,8)

Remembering His command: “Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.” (NIV Acts 2:43) How did this take place? The people in obeying His command continued steadfastly to the teaching of the apostles, had Fellowship with each other, celebrating the cross daily with the “Holy Communion” and prayed.

Reaching out to each other:And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:47) How was this possible? The believers cared for each other and fulfilled each other’s needs in the Church. They met daily in the place of worship and in homes, shared meals with “singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all people (Acts 2: 43-47a).

Reaping the reward: But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. (Acts 4:4)

Within a few weeks the Church had over 8,000 recorded believers, who were committed to Jesus the Christ. The whole place was in an uproar! Have you asked why? The number one reason was that the Church was not interested in religion, or entertainment. They were committed to the saving of souls! They demonstrated this commitment by coming before the Lord; by opening their homes and hearts, spending time, and fellowshipping in the Word of God. No wonder the Lord worked in healing this lame man. Yes, there was opposition, but the Church prevailed. In fact, there was a greater sense of unity, and brotherhood amongst the believers. The Holy Spirit, with great power, gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ: and great grace was upon them all.

They kept it simple! Simple things such as prayer, unity in studying the Word, genuine fellowship with practical care for one another, and obedience to God given authority! There was no reliance on attractive worship, or sophisticated equipment to “keep the Spirit”. We sometimes try to compensate by doing “other minor things” but forget to bathe EVERYTHING in prayer. It is only when we fall short of the desire of God in our hearts that “other things” become “spiritual”.

Are we missing out on something? Let’s read the scriptures. Meditate upon them and allow the Spirit of God to work a deep “work” in our hearts! Let us return to the original vision that the Lord gave us! Let us bind our hearts together in one purpose, and get rid of “sugar coated” Christianity, and get on with fighting the real enemy the Devil!

My message once again, is “KEEP IT SIMPLE” and see the power of God at work! Let’s get back to basics. Is this so hard to do? Just think about it; it is not that it is hard, but that our priorities are lop-sided! We are mixing up important things and urgent things! Important things can wait, but urgent things can’t! “What is the urgency” you may ask! Well, the time is short, and God is on the move. We must move with Him! Other countries and churches are experiencing a renewal and revival, why not us?

What is needed is commitment! A commitment to pray; to fellowship; to seek His face; for the genuine love for the Word and true practical fellowship. This is not too much to ask!