The early ekklesia (congregation) provides an encouraging example of the success of evangelism: ”…and believers in the Lord were added to them in great multitudes, both men and women.” Acts 5:14. Jesus also wants to save a great number of people, who will then be helped to learn the teachings of the Bible. This is what we have been called to do. That is our great twofold mission:
God ”wills that all men (1.) should be saved and (2.) come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim. 2:4. The things mentioned there are the main mission of the congregation. ”And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47. ”Then those who received Peter’s word were baptized…” Acts 2:41.
The SECOND mission of the congregation is to help new converts to the faith, doctrine, and way of life of the apostolic age. ”Follow their faith.” Heb. 13:7. 1 John 2:24,25. ”They continued in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship.” Acts 2:42. In this way, those who have come to the faith remain in God’s truth. ”Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Matt. 28:20. Col. 3:16.
That means repentance and biblical water baptism and the baptism of the Spirit. Acts 2:38. Acts 19:5,6. These are ”the elementary doctrines of Christ.”
If we are to embrace the same faith as the early Christians, we cannot remain in any denomination. The apostolic faith teaches no such thing. ”Rejoice, for your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20.
Our task is to gather a congregation to teach the biblical faith. This form of activity has not yet attracted large crowds. The time of small beginnings at this stage is comparable to the time of Nehemiah. “The work is great and extensive, and we are scattered on the wall, far from one another. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, gather yourselves there to us. Our God is fighting for us.” Neh. 4:13,14.
The trumpet is sounding! It is time to gather around the work of the cross to encounter holy grace and truth in the name of Jesus Christ. Rom. 12:2.
“Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.” Matt. 15:13.
Prayer Greetings
Weijo Lindroos
Kristillinen Toimintakeskus
Maariankatu 2
20100 Turku
Finland