@FirstChurchofJerusalem
Today's Early Church Wisdom
“For the Gentiles, hearing from our mouth the words of God, are impressed by their beauty and greatness: then, learning that our works are not worthy of the things we say, they turn to railing, saying that it is some deceitful tale. For when they hear from us that God says: ‘No thanks will be due to you, if ye love only those who love you; but thanks will be due to you, if ye love your enemies and those that hate you’—when they hear this, they are impressed by the overplus of goodness: but when they see that we do not love, not only those who hate us, but even those who love us, they laugh at us, and the Name is blasphemed.”
~ The 2nd Epistle of Clement (140-160AD
This week's Psalm is Psalm 30 'Joy Comes With The Morning'

The Spirit Of The Apostles

Sacrifice and service

Christianity as a movement can only be understood in relation to the spirit of the apostles, for this is a humble spirit of service that never ceases to reach out with the message of God’s healing love. That’s the Spirit that God has given to you and I, a Spirit that will not rest until the gospel has been preached in all the nations. This outreach began at Jerusalem with the first apostles. Amongst these pioneers, Peter, James, and John, were prominent leaders who provided pastoral care and doctrinal instruction. Yet their dynamic leadership was characterised by sacrifice and service, not self-gain and subjugation. The apostles prioritised prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:1-6) and oversaw the appointment of other leaders to ensure equitable ministry within the growing community. Apostolic decisions, such as the ruling of the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) demonstrate both leadership and collaborative decision-making. May God grant us that same spirit.