Many are longing to see the events that happened to the church in the book of Acts: the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the equality among the believers, the signs and wonders that accompanied those who believed, and the massive spread of the gospel into new territory. Indeed the early church age was filled with such wonderful and amazing things. Why is it so hard to see these things happening today?
There are many differences between today's church and the church in the time immediately after the Lord Jesus' bodily resurrection and ascension. These things offer us some possible explanations. Let's look at some of them.
1. The gospel message was very simple – all about Jesus Christ
The believers in the time of the book of Acts carried a simple message of salvation through Christ's finished work and our consequent repentance. Consider Acts 2, where we read Peter preaching a simple message stating what God has done, followed by thousands of people repenting of their sins:
"So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!"
Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"
Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:36-38).
"Those who believed what Peter said were baptised and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all" (Acts 2:41).
Today's churches often think of hosting slick services and concerts to draw people in. There's nothing wrong with excellent gatherings, but when the message of the cross is watered down by seemingly unimportant things, it's all for nothing (see John 12:32).
2. The early church relied on the Holy Spirit
Today's churches often think of gimmicks and other stuff to bring crowds to Christ. The early church didn't have any gimmicks, but they had obedience and complete dependence on the empowering Holy Spirit. Think about it. In obedience to Christ, they didn't even go out until the Holy Spirit was sent from heaven (see Acts 1:7-8; Acts 2).
3. The book of Acts church believed Christ and obeyed Him
Perhaps this is the very reason why many Acts events aren't happening anymore. Jesus described in Mark 16:17-18 the signs that will "accompany those who believe," and all of it happened in the book of Acts because the believers actually believed!
How about today? Do we really believe God and take His Word as binding truth? Do we believe His Word that says we are saved by grace through faith? If we say yes to that, do we believe the same Bible that says we are dead to sin and alive in Christ, and are created to do good works? Do we believe that all of us Christians are called to deny ourselves so that we could follow Christ?
If we believe that we are children of God because of what Christ has done, do we also believe that He has ordered that we spread the gospel? Do we also believe that those who engage in sinful and fleshly activities will not inherit the Kingdom of God?
Do we really believe God and what He said?
