Many believers throughout church history, and particularly in more modern times, have longed to return and recapture the love, life, and power of the early church. Some have even sought to model new churches along early church lines. Commendable though such efforts may be their success will always rest on the degree to which they are submitted to the leadership of Christ through the Holy Spirit. Those who would enjoy the blessing of Christ must be willing to follow the guidance of Christ. Jesus remained the active leader of the first church community. He was not the leader in name only but the One to whom the first believers looked daily for encouragement and guidance. What did this mean in practice? For these saints, no day began until they had spent time with Him; no decision was made until they had received guidance from Him; no
day concluded without their giving thanks to Him. They would seek His face at the beginning of the day, and they would chat to Him throughout the day, listening for His every word of insight and direction. In this way they actively followed His leadership together in all things and the church moved forward in unity. This was something they did individually in continuing personal meditation and prayer, and collectively as they met together in fellowship and worship. No meeting was without time spent looking and listening to Jesus together. Jesus is leading, but are we following?