The Church in the Word

In this mile-a-minute culture, we don’t like to wait for things anymore. We are used to getting things fast and simplified. Unfortunately, it is easy to carry this attitude over to our worship life. If God has something to say, we expect it to be distilled to a 10-second sound-bite. We are still looking for a quick and easy guide to spirituality.

Tragically, many churches have bought into this consumerism thinking. But true spiritual growth is not fast and simple. True spiritual growth takes time—and lots of it.

Getting back to that one thing

Instead of seeking to find a church that is run more like a spiritual supermarket, it is time for us to slow down and consider Jesus’ words to the busy, preoccupied Martha: “‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her'” (Luke 10:41–42).

The Bible gives us some insight into what that one thing is.

  • For David, that one thing was fellowship with God and His people (Psalm 27:4).
  • For Mary, that one thing was sitting at the feet of Jesus (Luke 10:38–42).
  • For Paul, that one thing was moving forward spiritually (Philippians 3:13).

In the same way, we should sit at Jesus’ feet, fellowship with God and His people, and want to move forward spiritually. If we don’t focus on that one thing, we’ll end up doing everything and accomplishing nothing!

God has provided His church as the place for this one thing to take place. It is our departure from His original principles that has put the church in the weakened state we find it today. Can you imagine what would happen if the church returned to its first-century roots and started turning the world upside down for Christ? It would have a powerful effect. Like the church after the day of Pentecost, people would be asking, “What does this mean?” and “What shall we do to be saved?” (See Acts 2:1–39.)

Contemporary Lessons from an Ancient Church

One of the key characteristics of the New Testament church (Acts 2:37–47) is that it was a learning church.

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The Jesus Movement began during a chaotic moment in American history, when thousands of young people searching for truth encountered the life-changing message of the gospel. In Jesus Revolution, Greg Laurie shares the compelling story behind this spiritual awakening—including his own transformation as a teenager coming to faith in Christ.

This book takes readers behind the scenes of a movement that changed lives through the power of God’s Word and the hope of Jesus. It’s a timely reminder that God still works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

When you give to Harvest Ministries this month, we’ll send you Jesus Revolution as our thank-you. And if your gift is $50 or more, we’ll also send you the Jesus Revolution movie on DVD—an inspiring way to enjoy and share this powerful story of revival.

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