Experiencing True Greatness in the Church

In our fast-paced world, we often associate greatness with athletic feats, culinary masterpieces, or groundbreaking achievements. But what does true greatness look like within the church? By examining the early Christian community in Jerusalem, we can uncover a profound and challenging vision of greatness that still resonates today.

The book of Acts paints a vivid picture of a church experiencing extraordinary unity, power, and care. This wasn't a result of uniformity or forced conformity, but rather a deep connection forged through their shared faith in Christ. As we explore this, we're challenged to consider how our modern churches measure up and what steps we can take to recapture this spirit of greatness.

Unity: The Foundation of Greatness

"Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul." (Acts 4:32)

The early church demonstrated a remarkable unity that transcended cultural and social barriers. People from at least 15 different nations, speaking various languages and dialects, came together in a way that defied human expectations. This wasn't about erasing differences or creating a homogeneous group. Instead, their unity was rooted in a shared commitment to Christ.

A.W. Tozer beautifully illustrates this concept: "Has it ever occurred to you that 100 pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow."

This challenges us to reconsider how we pursue unity in our churches today. Are we seeking uniformity in style, preferences, or secondary beliefs? Or are we collectively tuning our hearts to Christ, allowing our differences to remain while finding harmony in our shared devotion?

Power: Living in Resurrection Reality

"And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 4:33)

The early believers lived with an explosive spiritual power, described by the Greek word "dunamis" – the root of our word "dynamite." This wasn't just charisma or persuasive speaking; it was a tangible manifestation of the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

This challenges us to examine our own spiritual lives. Have we become content with a tame, domesticated Christianity? Are we afraid to ask for and expect the Holy Spirit to work powerfully through us? The early church's boldness in the face of opposition reminds us that true gospel proclamation should be marked by supernatural courage and effectiveness.

Care: Radical Generosity in Action

"There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need." (Acts 4:34-35)

The early church's care for one another went far beyond polite charity. They practiced a radical form of generosity that ensured no one in their community lacked for material or spiritual needs. This wasn't forced communism, but a voluntary sharing born out of love and the recognition that all they possessed ultimately belonged to God.

This level of care is deeply challenging to our modern sensibilities. We often cling tightly to our possessions and carefully guard our personal space. The early church reminds us that true Christian community involves sacrificial giving and a willingness to be intimately involved in meeting the needs of others.

The Secret to Greatness: Bold Prayer

What was the catalyst for this remarkable expression of Christian community? The answer lies in the power of bold, united prayer. Before experiencing the outpouring of unity, power, and care, the believers gathered to cry out to God. They acknowledged His sovereignty, recalled His faithfulness, and asked for continued boldness in the face of opposition.

"And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:31)

This prayer wasn't a polite formality, but a passionate appeal that shook the very foundations of where they gathered. It serves as a powerful reminder that true spiritual renewal and church health begin with fervent, expectant prayer.

Embracing the Challenge

As we reflect on this picture of greatness in the early church, we're faced with some uncomfortable questions:

1. Are we willing to pursue true unity by focusing more on Christ than on our differences?

2. Do we desire and expect to see God's power manifested in and through us?

3. Are we ready to practice radical generosity and deep care for one another?

4. Will we commit to bold, transformative prayer?

The path to greatness in the church isn't found in impressive buildings, slick programs, or charismatic leadership. It's discovered when ordinary believers tune their hearts to Christ, live in the reality of His resurrection power, care deeply for one another, and cry out to God in bold prayer.

This vision of greatness is both inspiring and intimidating. It calls us out of complacency and challenges us to live our faith with an intensity that may feel foreign in our comfortable modern context. Yet, this is the vibrant, world-changing Christianity we see in the New Testament – a faith that turned the world upside down.

As we go forward, let's not settle for a watered-down version of church life. Instead, let's dare to pursue true greatness by drawing near to Christ, seeking His power, caring deeply for others, and praying with audacious faith. In doing so, we may find ourselves part of a movement that, like the early church, leaves an indelible mark on our world for the glory of God.