Very little power is demonstrated among believers today. Sin and lawlessness dominate most of the religious scene today, whereas in the early church, even liars were smitten by the power of God. (Acts 5:1-10)
A Profile of the Church
by Randall Walton

In this twentieth century of the Christian era, there is a massive array of religious organizations known as “The Church.” Most of these institutions consider themselves an example of the true and accepted church of God, or as having God’s stamp of approval. Of the hundreds of different denominations scattered abroad, no two are exactly alike; by which we know that they are most certainly not all “God-ordained.” In fact, it is our solemn conviction that there does not exist anywhere on earth a “true church,” or one that follows the pattern laid out in the Book of Acts. It is our contention that the body, which Jesus Christ established through His apostles, is/was the only corporeal Body that has ever met the demands and standards of its Founder, and it is quite evident that it was very short-lived! While it remains true that a handful of faithful followers have existed down through the dark centuries since the passing of the apostles, it is also true that the divine pattern, which they knew, has never been replicated nor improved upon. We seriously wonder how anyone can refer to their own religious organization/company as a “New Testament Church.” Let us substantiate this claim with a brief profile of that pristine body that was established by none other than the Lord of Glory Himself, and which could not be successfully subdued by the pagan institutionalists and their carnal control schemes, which was allowed to go on unabated and unchecked.

1. They were all with ONE ACCORD. Acts 1:14; Acts 2:1; Acts 4:24; Acts 5:12

It is doubtful that this condition has existed within any of the multitudes of institutional churches at any time since the days of the first century Church. There have been attempts made to require everyone under some regime to conform to certain sets of ideas and beliefs, but all of these have failed to succeed because it is “with the heart” that man believes. No regimes or order has been able to conquer, control, or change man’s heart. The 120 saints who gathered in the “upper room” were united in their fervor, zeal, and aim/purpose. We do not assume that they believed every minor and major point exactly alike, but they were of one accord in their desire to please God and to see God’s will done.

Too many people today are concerned about the will of the Board, or the Elders, or the Organization rather than the will of the Living God. It is obvious that the early disciples were bent on receiving the “promise of the Father” and doing His will. A careful reading of the first several chapters of Acts reveals that the “church” became a way of life for the people. It was the very epicenter of their existence. This attitude, that their lives were wrapped up in a new life where “old things are passed away,” contributed greatly to their being of one heart, and soul. Church was not just a pastime, or a week-end event, or something different from a mundane existence. It was their reason for living, for there in the confines of that glorious body they continued “DAILY with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat (food) with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church DAILY such as should be saved.” (lit., “those who were being saved.” grk.) (Acts 2:46-47)

2. They were baptized with the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5; Acts 10:44-46 & 11:15-17; Acts 19:6

Just prior to Jesus’ ascension, He told the apostles to remain in Jerusalem to receive the promise of the Father. “For John truly baptized with water; but YE SHALL BE BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT not many days hence.” (Acts 1:5) So it was just seven days later that Pentecost was fully come and these saints (about 120, both men and women) were baptized with the Holy Spirit, the evidence of which was that they all spoke with “tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance.” Peter related the incident of the man Cornelius and his household who were also recipients of that wonderful experience, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 11:15-17) They too spoke with tongues just as the disciples did on the day of Pentecost, “on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.” (Acts 10:45-46)

We need to emphasize the fact that this experience was “with the Holy Spirit,” and that these people spoke with tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance.” There are many people today who claim to have received the Holy Spirit baptism, with speaking in tongues, but who have not really received it at all. Sad to say, some ministers are teaching (?) people how to talk in tongues. Some actually hold classes where people can learn how to be baptized and speak in tongues. One preacher we heard said it was like turning on a water faucet, that you can do it whenever you want to! This is, of course, a disgrace, and leads us to believe that there are probably very few who have truly been baptized with the Holy Spirit. If the Spirit of God is not the dominating factor, if He is not in control, if He does not give the utterance, then you may safely say the activities are counterfeit and are most likely a manifestation of the flesh. Also, if Jesus is not glorified, beware of the demonstration. (See John 16:13-14)

Genuine speaking in tongues (glossalalia) is 100% supernatural. When the Spirit gives the utterance, the human voice is but an agent through which the Holy Spirit speaks. Just as water baptism is a sign, so also is the Spirit baptism a sign. The important part of the Baptism is not the outward manifestation of tongues, but that which is done inwardly within the heart and soul, for the Holy Spirit momentarily possesses the person and he is immersed or “buried” in the Spirit. It is God’s will that all His people are baptized in the Spirit, for it is the “earnest of the Spirit,” God’s guarantee that there is more to come, and also a foretaste of that heavenly state. The fact that few people have experienced the genuine Baptism is shown by the shallowness of the average churchgoer. Even among the Pentecostals and charismatics who seem to claim inalienable rights to the experience, there is a cold wind of apathy and worldliness that blows through the assemblies where they gather. Much effort is put into “working up the spirit” rather than allowing the Spirit to manifest Himself as He wills.

3. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:4; Acts 4:8 & 31; Acts 9:17; Acts 13:9 & 52; Eph. 5:18

There is much talk today about “Spirit-filled churches,” “Spirit filled preachers,” etc., etc, but the early church bore the signs thereof. Where are Spirit-filled people today? Just because a person speaks in tongues, or rolls on the floor, or dances a holy jig does not mean that person is filled with the Spirit. Filled means FILLED, not partially filled, but FILLED. Being filled is not the same as an anointing of the Spirit, either. Too many people claim to be filled with the Spirit who are not filled at all. If you fill a cup or a glass with water, how much coffee or tea can you add to the cup or glass? None! So likewise with the Spirit. A Spirit-filled person will reflect all evidence of a Spirit-filled life. Needless to say, that kind of a person is rare.

4. The early church was a channel of power. Acts 1:8; Acts 5:5-10; 12-16; Acts 9:36-42; Acts 12:4-10; Acts 20:8-10; etc.

“But ye shall receive POWER (dunamis, [dynamite] grk.), after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you ....” Supernatural power was one of the earmarks of the church. There was power over sickness, sin, Satan and death. Jesus had stated that, “he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” John 14:12

Very little power is demonstrated among believers today. Sin and lawlessness dominate most of the religious scene today, whereas in the early church, even liars were smitten by the power of God. (Acts 5:1-10) Demons were cast out of those who were possessed. An ungodly man was struck with blindness (Acts 13:11), a fornicator was turned over to Satan (1 Cor.5:4,5). “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power” is a fair description of the church in our day (2 Tim.3:5). It grieves us to hear people justify the powerlessness of the church by claiming that the power was only for the apostles in order to, “…get the church started, but we don’t need it today!”

5. They had all things common: Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:32-37

One of the outstanding outcomes of the Pentecostal experience was the selflessness of the people, a condition sorely lacking among the professors of the Christian faith today. The outpouring of the Spirit not only changed their manner of worship, but also their manner of living. Now, no man called anything his own, but distribution was made of all the resources according to each one’s needs. While it is true that there have been many corrupt and abusive communal groups over the years, this is no reason to pass judgment upon all. The early church functioned well with over 8,000 members! (Acts 1:15, 2:41, 4:4) It is no mere coincidence that the decline of the power in the church was accompanied by the death of the community way of life. Consider the spiritual benefits that are possible when all work together for the welfare of all members as compared with each person working for the good of himself and his own immediate family.

6. The FRUIT of the ‘Spirit was manifest: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith(fulness), meekness, temperance;” (Gal. 5:22-23)

Fruit is a product, or the result of certain actions having taken place. In this case, it is the Holy Spirit at work in the heart, supplying the necessary impetus and spiritual nutrition to produce the expected results. In a study of the book of Acts and the rest of the New Testament, it is very easy to find evidence of each of these divine qualities, thereby confirming the fact that the Holy Spirit was actively at work within them, aiding in the production of these characteristics of the divine nature. Following is a thumbnail sketch of these nine inimitable values:

LOVE: Love is a working word, not a mere feeling or sentiment toward another person. “God so loved the world that he gave…” The evidence of love is that the person who loves is a doer. He seeks ways to serve and minister to the one(s) he loves. He takes great pleasure in doing things to ease another’s burdens without demanding or expecting anything in return. Jesus declared that the two greatest commandments are to love God with all the heart, soul, mind and strength, and your neighbor as yourself. All other obligations hinge on (or hang from) these two. John asked the question, “he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” (1 John 4:19) We see so little love shown among God’s people today. True love is selfless, or as Paul said it in 1 Cor. 13:5, “seeketh not her own.” It remains true that most Christians “tolerate” or “put up with” each other rather than love each other. If God’s people will allow the spirit to have greater influence in their lives, greater love will be produced.

JOY: Joy is a state of happiness and contentment, and is evidenced by expression of gladness. Born again people should be the happiest and most joyful people on the face of the earth. “And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52) We could say the reason they were filled with joy was because they were filled with the Holy Spirit. This joy followed close on the heels of severe persecution, a fact which tells us that joy is not dependent upon ideal and pleasant circumstances, nor is joy limited to those times when we may be in an exciting meeting or service. The joy, which is produced as a fruit of the Spirit, is always accessible, night or day, rain or shine, poverty or prosperity. Anyone who walks in the Spirit knows constant joy, for there is no discouragement or condemnation in the Holy Spirit. Let’s face it, is there much real joy among the ranks of the Christians you know? In the event of catastrophe, calamity and calumny, are you able to maintain a rejoicing heart? “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptation; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” (James 1:2-3) These “divers temptations” are adversities and severe trials of many different kinds. We, as Christians, are expected to endure these things with joy and gladness of heart, never ceasing to praise God no matter how bleak the situation becomes. God is just as wonderful in the valley as He is on the mountaintop; but you really understand this if you live in the Spirit and allow this divine attribute to be developed.

PEACE: A good synonym of this word is tranquility. This wondrous quality is not manufactured nor produced by the efforts of the natural mind. True peace comes as a result of the inward working of the Holy Spirit and not a mental acquiescence of adverse conditions. Paul & Silas sang praises to the Lord while they were bound with chains in a prison at midnight. They had not enrolled in special classes to learn how to cope with such undesirable circumstances. They obtained this calmness and stability by being in tune with the Holy Spirit. This fruit of the Spirit was produced only as these men allowed the Spirit to do the necessary work within their hearts.

LONGSUFFERING: The best synonym for longsuffering is patience, which is the ability to endure hardship, distress, persecution, and disagreeable circumstances without complaint or grumbling. Patience is the product of experience and the work of the Holy Spirit. It is valuable both because of its inherent worth and the high cost of obtaining it. Many a saint would have more victory in their lives if they would allow the Holy Spirit to infuse them with more longsuffering.

GENTLENESS: In this day of mega-violence, gentleness seems to be a rare quality. Kindness and compassion are integral parts of gentleness, both of which are sorely lacking in both secular society and in religious circles. A word which describes modern mores is abuse, and it covers the whole spectrum of man’s activities; child abuse, spousal abuse, abuse of the aged and infirm, sexual abuse, etc. We hear of battered wives, husbands and children. While we all desire to be treated with kindness, we do not all practice being kind to others, simply because this fruit of the Spirit has not been brought to maturity. At the risk of becoming wimpy, we hold firm to our claim of individual dignity and self-esteem, thus we refuse to allow the Holy Spirit to develop this divine quality within us.

GOODNESS: We can understand this fruit by considering its opposite; badness, or wrongfulness. Whatever is good is right, pure, just, and holy. Goodness shows up when evil would prevail. It is God’s way as opposed to man’s way. It is that Holy Spirit-inspired ability to do good to those who do evil to you, “Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matt. 5:44) Notice that goodness works irrespective of circumstances.

FAITH: This is better understood as faithfulness or trustworthiness, rather than belief or trust. This is the ability to remain faithful to God, to His word, and to His call no matter how adverse conditions may become. It is that blessed ingredient which causes the feet to remain implanted upon the solid rock, let the winds blow, the floods rise, and the rains fall. The eyes of the faithful are ever forward, focused upon the goal set before him by the Savior, and never looking back nor glancing over the shoulder. Without regret or remorse, the faithful, through the power of the Holy Spirit, plunges onward, taking with him as many as he possibly can. Clearly, this is produced only by the work of the Spirit.

MEEKNESS: This is humility; being teachable, or governable. Moses was the meekest man to have lived before the oming of John the Baptist before Jesus came (Num. 12:3), and He said of Himself, “I am meek and lowly of heart.” (Matt. 11:28-29) Neither of these was weak nor spineless. They were quick to stand against evil and wrongdoing, but were just as ready and willing to hear the voice and will of the Father. Jesus stated that He came only to do the will of His Father. He never interjected His own thoughts or desires, but rather declared, “My Father is greater than I.” (John 14:28) Meekness and submission to authority are fingers of the same hand, a quality of character, which is in short supply today. A walk with God in the Spirit does not inflate one’s ego. Beware of the super egoists who put their personalities on public display to impress people with their superb abilities. Meekness does not contribute to conceit, and neither does the Holy Spirit! The more spiritual a person becomes, the meeker he becomes also.

TEMPERANCE: Self-control is probably the most accurate definition of temperance. It is demonstrated in the difficult areas of life when one’s natural impulse is to give way to anger, depression, discouragement, and despair, or some other action attributable to some crisis or temptation. A person who lives in the Spirit receives strength and ability to rein in the “old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” (Eph. 4:22) This divine fruit is produced only as a person learns to yield to the goading of the Holy Spirit as He works and moves in the heart to help the person surrender his all to the will of God.

The Holy Spirit never forces nor coerces, nor does He usurp authority over the will of an individual. Through patience, He directs a person to conditions where the person must make a decision. This “exercise” never ceases as long as the person cooperates and “presses on.” This cultivation is an ongoing, unceasing work of the Spirit in an effort that the fruit, or result, of that work will become evident and will grow to complete maturity. The resources of heaven have been committed to the Holy Spirit for that very purpose. We see so little of these fruits today because so few people are concerned enough to allow the Spirit to produce these essential qualities within their beings.

7) They had the Gifts of the Spirit, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of WISDOM; to another the word of KNOWLEDGE by the same Spirit; To another FAITH by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of HEALING by the same Spirit; To another the working of MIRACLES; to another PROPHECY; to another DISCERNING of spirits; to another divers kinds of TONGUES; to another the INTERPRETATION of tongues:” (1 Cor. 12:7-10)

The operation of these gifts in the church made it a vibrant, powerful, living body of which Jesus was (is) the Head. While it is true that there are many claims today of apostolic succession and the use of the gifts of the Spirit, it is probably safe to say at least 99% + of these claims are false. We do not know of any place where these nine gifts (or even one) are in existence. We have witnessed many counterfeit attempts to display these spiritual manifestations, but to this present hour we have not discovered the genuine.

WISDOM: This precious gift covers every aspect of man’s existence. He who is blessed with this gift has a perfect understanding in things both spiritual and natural and can convey this understanding through counseling and advice.

KNOWLEDGE: This gift enables the gifted person to understand doctrinal truth. This does not mean he knows all truth, but he knows which is truth and which is error. He also has a special and unusual insight in the Word of God.

FAITH: Most of us must exercise ourselves in faith (active belief), but the person who has been given this gift has a clear channel of utmost trust and confidence in God, His ability, and His word. Gone are doubts and questions and wonderings. This faith enables a person to put his life on the line, to stand fast in God irrespective of circumstances, conditions, or troubles.

HEALING: With this gift, sickness and disease are banished. This was one of the more visible ministries in the early church because sick people were healed. There are many fakers in the religious world today who claim this gift, but people remain in their sicknesses after the “healer” has made his pitch. It is true that God answers prayer and many people are healed as a result of anointing with oil and the laying on of hands, but this is not the same as the gift of healing. Prayer was unnecessary where the gift was present.

MIRACLES: Many miracles are recorded in the early church. The dead were raised, a poisonous snake’s bite was rendered harmless, Philip was transported by the Spirit from one place to another, etc.

PROPHECY: A prophet was an instrument through which God spoke to the people. As a mouthpiece of the Lord, God spoke to him in dreams and visions, and he relayed the message to the people. (See Numbers 12:6) There are many “would-be” or “wanna-be” prophets in the world today, but where is the “seer” whose message comes direct from the throne of grace? There were many prophets in the early church, but their ministry is sorely lacking at the present time. We know of several who claim to prophesy, but their claims do not measure up to God’s standards.

DISCERNING OF SPIRITS: It is of prime importance that every child of God know the identity of the spirits that manifest themselves in religious circles. There are familiar spirits, unclean spirits, infirmity, foul, lewd, fear, error, seducing, vexing, bondage, suicide, etc. In most supercharged meetings, one or more of these spirits are at work, and they manifest themselves in such a way as to deceive people into believing they are of God. It is not always possible to detect the source of a manifestation of spirit activity. These spirits just do not identify themselves as evil beings for obvious reasons, but a person with the gift of discernment will always know the spirit(s) at work.

TONGUES: This is perhaps the most abused phenomenon in the entire range of spiritual expression, and there is also much controversy about the subject. While some people say that this gift is the ability to speak foreign languages, others claim that once you have done it, you can do it any time you want. We believe that both these views are in error. For example, read 1 Cor. 14, and substitute some foreign language (Spanish, German, French, etc.) wherever the word tongue appears. It should be obvious that it won’t work this way. Also, since tongues were given “as the Spirit gave the utterance,” it is obvious that a person cannot speak in tongues at will. James said that the tongue is the most unruly member of our body, and that no man can tame it. (James 3:5-8) The Holy Spirit can control the tongue, and when He does, He uses a heavenly language, or as Paul stated in 1 Cor. 13:1, “of angels.” There are definite regulations for the use of this gift, which are set forth in 1 Cor. 14. Though these rules are generally disregarded in most groups, it is evident that a great deal of confusion is the result.

INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES: This gift is just as important as the gift of tongues, for when the two are in operation, they are equivalent to prophecy. On the day of Pentecost, there was a dual miracle; not only did the saints speak in unknown tongues, observers heard the messages interpreted into their own native tongues! Thus the message from God was intelligible to the people because it was interpreted for them. These nine spiritual gifts set the early church apart from all other religious orders. There was never anything like this before, and there has not been an equal to it since it slowly faded into oblivion.

8. They had God-ordained Ministries: “And he gave some apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers;” (Eph. 4: 11)

These 5 ministries or offices are generally referred to as the “Five-Fold Ministry.” There are several religious bodies that claim to have these ministries. Frankly, we doubt that all of these offices are in existence today. It would be truly wonderful if this was true, but the record speaks differently. Compare today’s professed apostles with the apostles in the Scriptures. Based on the information we have, these modern apostles are man-made, not God-ordained, and if God has not sent them, they are not true apostles. The same can be said of prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Too many professing ministers of the gospel have chosen their careers as a vocation. God did not call them: they chose their particular job. This is not to say that there are no God-called ministers, for some are surely bearing good fruit, but it is a skinny minority to whom this applies!

A Restoration Promised

Would you like to see a truly New Testament Church? On the basis of what we have covered thus far, it is plain that no such creature exists on this planet today. (This includes People of the Living God). However, we have the assurance that God is going to restore the church to its original splendor and glory, and that before Jesus returns in the clouds: “... Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it: That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word; That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy, and without blemish.” Eph. 5:25-27

“And he shall send Jesus Christ,...: Whom the heaven must receive (keep) until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.” (from of old. grk) (Acts 3:20-21)

It is on God’s program - this restoration of all that once belonged to the people of God: the same glory, the same power, the same ministries, gifts, manner of life, and experiences. The greatest display of spiritual might and power is due before Jesus comes back to judge the world in righteousness. The church (lit., the people of God) must first be sanctified and cleansed. There exists too much worldliness, carnality, and fleshly activity for this restoration to take place presently. If you are a member of the “called-out-ones,” expect some severe trials and tests, for these are instrumental in the cleansing process to which He will subject His elect.

“The washing of water by the word” implies the embracing and application of the word to the lives and hearts of God’s people. As we conform ourselves to the word of the Lord, we will see great changes taking place within ourselves. Those who are willing to pay the price of obedience to the word of the Lord, will be privileged to have a part in this great last day move of the Spirit of God.

For a preview of these things, we encourage you to read the Book of the Acts of the Apostles.

When the restoration is completed we believe these eight factors will be plainly visible:

1. The saints will be of one accord.
2. They will be filled with the Spirit.
3. They will be baptized with the Spirit.
4. They will be endued with power from on high.
5. They will have all things in common.
6. They will have the fruit of the Spirit.
7. They will have the gifts of the Spirit.
8. They will have the God-given ministries of the Spirit.

Truly, that will be a glorious church!

(Reprinted from Number 369, August 1994 issue of “The Testimony of Truth” with permission from “People of the Living God”)

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