@FirstChurchofJerusalem
Today's Early Church Wisdom
“The professions and trades of those who are going to be accepted into the community must be examined. The nature and type of each must be established… brothel, sculptors of idols, charioteer, athlete, gladiator…give it up or be rejected. A military constable must be forbidden to kill, neither may he swear; if he is not willing to follow these instructions, he must be rejected. A proconsul or magistrate who wears the purple and governs by the sword shall give it up or be rejected. Anyone taking or already baptized who wants to become a soldier shall be sent away, for he has despised God.”
~ Hippolytus (170AD – 236AD)
This week's Psalm is Psalm 31 'My Rock, My Shield, My Song'

The Foundation of the First Church

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples over the next 40 days, speaking about the kingdom of God and giving them many convincing proofs that He was alive (Acts 1:3). This period of instruction was crucial, as it laid the foundation for the church's life and mission. At the end of this 40-day period Jesus ascended into Heaven, asking the Father to pour out the Holy Spirit, which He did at Pentecost. At this wonderful event, the church was empowered for its mission, Jesus’ followers being baptised with the Holy Spirit that they might continue to walk and talk with Him throughout the church age, equipped with spiritual gifts and power. Jesus’ leadership of the church (ekklesia) that He founded continues in our day. Church structures may have changed, but Jesus’ blueprint for the church has not. Our Saviour still speaks today, but will we listen? The wonderful thing is that any who wish to may daily seek His face, hear His personal word to them, and follow His guidance. 