Have you ever experienced the power of partnership? Maybe it was a community effort to help someone in need, a team coming together to accomplish what no one could on their own, or perhaps even a moment in your life when someone’s generosity met your need at just the right time. These moments give us a glimpse of what the church was designed to be—a network of believers, united in Christ, and committed to supporting one another.
Today, we’re exploring how the early church related to one another. It’s fascinating to note that the early church didn’t operate with denominational distinctions like we often see today. Instead, churches were identified by geography, such as the church in Corinth or the churches of Galatia. Yet even within cities, there were often multiple house churches. For instance, Romans 16:3-5 mentions Priscilla and Aquila hosting a church in their home. Despite being distinct gatherings, these house churches worked together, displaying unity and interconnectedness.
The early church’s interconnectedness, demonstrated through mutual support, shared mission, and doctrinal unity, exemplifies God’s design for cooperation among His people today.
Mutual Support: The Call to Share Resources
The early church provides us with a powerful example of what it means to support one another through mutual care and generosity. Their actions show us how interconnectedness, whether through financial or spiritual support, is an essential part of living out the gospel.
Financial Support
The Church in Antioch Sends Aid to Judea During a Famine
The church in Antioch was thriving when prophets came from Jerusalem to share a sobering message. Agabus, moved by the Spirit, predicted a great famine that would impact the entire world. This famine eventually occurred during the reign of Claudius, a Roman Emperor notorious for frequent food shortages.
The response of the church in Antioch was immediate and sacrificial. As Acts 11:29 tells us, “In the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea.” Each disciple gave according to their ability. This wasn’t a command from leadership; it was a voluntary act of love. They recognized that their resources—whether small or large—were entrusted to them by God for the purpose of blessing others. Their generosity not only met the physical needs of their brothers and sisters in Judea but also demonstrated the unity of the global church.
This example challenges us to consider how we respond when we hear of needs within the broader body of Christ. Do we see those needs as an opportunity to display God’s love? The church in Antioch reminds us that generosity is a tangible expression of our interconnectedness in Christ.
Macedonian Churches Give Generously Despite Poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-5)
Paul provides another striking example of financial support in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. He writes to the Corinthian church about the grace of God demonstrated by the Macedonian churches. Despite their “great ordeal of affliction” and “deep poverty,” their “abundance of joy” overflowed in generosity. These churches gave beyond their means, not because they were compelled, but because they were eager to participate in supporting the saints.
Paul highlights two key aspects of their giving. First, it was voluntary: “They gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints” (v. 3-4). Second, it flowed from their devotion to God: “They first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God” (v. 5).
The Macedonians understood that generosity is not about the size of the gift but about the heart behind it. They saw their giving as a privilege, not a burden. Their example encourages us to give cheerfully, trusting that God will use our offerings to meet the needs of others and glorify His name.
Spiritual Support
Mutual support in the early church was not limited to financial contributions. It also included spiritual care, particularly through prayer and encouragement.
Praying for One Another
In 2 Corinthians 1:11, Paul writes, “You also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many.” Paul acknowledges that the prayers of the Corinthians were instrumental in his deliverance and ministry. This shows us that prayer is not merely a passive activity but a powerful way to support one another.
When we pray for other believers, we participate in God’s work in their lives. Prayer binds us together as a spiritual family and unleashes God’s power in ways we may never fully understand. It reminds us that even when we cannot physically be present to help, we can still make a profound impact through intercession.
Edifying One Another
Beyond prayer, the early church also supported one another through mutual encouragement and teaching. In Colossians 4:16, Paul instructs the churches in Colossae and Laodicea to exchange letters for mutual edification. By sharing these letters, they strengthened one another’s faith and deepened their understanding of the gospel.
Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8, Paul commends the Thessalonian church for becoming an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. Their faith and the word of the Lord “sounded forth” far beyond their local context, inspiring others to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
Another example of mutual edification comes from Romans 16:3-5, where Paul greets Priscilla and Aquila. This couple risked their lives for Paul and hosted a church in their home. They were known as fellow workers in Christ who cooperated with multiple churches, serving as a bridge that fostered unity and growth within the body of Christ.
These examples remind us that we all have a role to play in building up the church. Whether it’s through teaching, encouragement, or hospitality, our contributions matter. When we use our gifts to edify others, we strengthen the interconnectedness of the body of Christ.
Interconnectedness Begins with Recognizing Our Resources Belong to God
The early church’s mutual support—both financial and spiritual—was rooted in the understanding that everything they had belonged to God. Their time, talents, and treasures were entrusted to them not for their own benefit, but to bless others and advance God’s kingdom.
This principle applies just as much today as it did then. Churches partner to provide food banks, disaster relief, community outreach programs, and most importantly, work together to evangelize the lost. Collaborative evangelistic efforts—such as joint missions, citywide crusades, or unified outreach events—showcase the church’s commitment to proclaiming the gospel as one body. These efforts demonstrate the beauty of what happens when we recognize that our resources are not ours to hoard but God’s to distribute through us.
The early church completely transformed the society they lived in through their unity and shared mission. Across the Roman Empire, believers acted as one body, meeting not only the spiritual needs of people but also addressing pressing societal challenges. Their generosity, such as aiding those affected by famine, and their spiritual support, like constant prayer and mutual encouragement, created a stark contrast to the self-serving ethos of the time. This interconnectedness extended to collaborative evangelism, where churches worked together to spread the gospel, ultimately challenging cultural norms, breaking down social barriers, and fostering communities rooted in love and compassion. Their unity demonstrated the transformative power of the gospel and left an indelible mark on the Roman world.
So, let’s ask ourselves: How can we live out this interconnectedness in our own lives? How can we use what God has given us—whether it’s money, time, or prayer—to support others? The early church shows us that when we embrace this calling, we reflect the heart of God and strengthen the bonds that unite us as His people.
Shared Mission: Advancing the Gospel Together
The early church was united in its mission to proclaim the gospel and serve others. This shared purpose not only strengthened their faith but also expanded the reach of the gospel throughout the world.
Antioch Sends Paul and Barnabas as Missionaries (Acts 13:1-3)
The church in Antioch was a thriving, diverse community of believers that became a launching pad for global missions. Acts 13:1-3 gives us a glimpse into their unity and spiritual fervor. The church was gathered with prophets and teachers, including Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, and Saul. While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit instructed them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which they were called.
Their response was immediate and prayerful. After “they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away” (v. 3). This moment highlights the importance of a church working together to support those called to missions. The entire church participated—whether by commissioning, praying, or sending resources—in the shared mission of advancing the gospel. The church in Antioch reminds us that fulfilling God’s mission requires both a willingness to send and a willingness to go. It’s a team effort that reflects the unity of the body of Christ.
Epaphroditus Supports Paul on Behalf of the Philippian Church (Philippians 2:25-30)
In Philippians 2:25-30, Paul describes Epaphroditus as “my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need.” Sent by the Philippian church to care for Paul, Epaphroditus exemplifies what it means to sacrificially serve the mission of the gospel. Epaphroditus faced incredible challenges, even becoming gravely ill to the point of death. Yet his commitment to completing the work entrusted to him never wavered. Paul commends him as a man worthy of honor because he risked his life for the work of Christ.
This story shows us that advancing the gospel isn’t just about preaching; it’s about meeting practical needs, building relationships, and enduring hardships for the sake of one another. The Philippian church’s support of Paul through Epaphroditus reflects the interconnectedness of believers and their shared mission.
We Are Stronger Together When We Pool Our Efforts
The examples of Antioch and Philippi demonstrate a profound truth: we are stronger together. The early church understood that pooling their efforts—whether through sending missionaries, providing financial support, or offering practical help—multiplied their impact for the kingdom of God.
Today, this principle is evident in collaborative church plants that bring together congregations to establish new communities of faith in areas of need. International missions unite believers across cultures and languages, pooling resources and talents to share the gospel in distant lands. Local outreach programs demonstrate unity by addressing pressing societal challenges, such as homelessness, hunger, and education. When churches unite to share resources, labor, and prayer, they embody the early church’s vision of interconnectedness. This unity not only magnifies their ability to serve and evangelize but also proclaims the transformative power of the gospel to a watching world. By working together, churches affirm that their mission transcends individual congregations and reflects the greater calling of Christ’s Kingdom.
Let’s consider how we can participate in this shared mission. Are we willing to send, support, or go? By embracing this interconnectedness, we not only fulfill the Great Commission but also strengthen the bonds of fellowship within the body of Christ. This unity leads us into a significant moment in our own church’s history, illustrating the principles we’ve explored so far.
VH History
The merger of the three churches in Chowchilla in 2013 was a profound act of obedience to the Lord’s command for unity, as expressed in John 17:20-26. This passage, where Jesus prays for His people, emphasizes the importance of unity among believers for the sake of the Gospel. The merger was not merely a practical decision but a spiritual commitment to live out the unity that Jesus prayed for, reflecting His glory and advancing His mission.
In John 17:20-26, Jesus prays for all who would come to believe in Him, asking the Father to make them one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is not based on institutional structures or superficial agreements but on a shared faith in Jesus Christ and the glory of God’s presence among His people. The unity Jesus desires is rooted in the relationship of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—characterized by oneness in purpose, action, and identity. This unity is meant to be a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating that Jesus is who He claims to be.
The three churches—LifeChange Church, Crossroads, and Grace Community—recognized the need to come together in obedience to this call for unity. Each church faced unique challenges:
- LifeChange was in transition after the departure of their pastor and needed stability.
- Crossroads risked losing their building and required a sustainable path forward.
- Grace Community, while not in immediate crisis, saw the opportunity to strengthen their ministry through collaboration.
The merger was driven by a shared desire to proclaim the Gospel more effectively in Chowchilla. By uniting, the churches could pool their resources, gifts, and facilities to better serve their community and advance the mission of Christ. It was a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel. It demonstrated that people from different backgrounds, with varying preferences and traditions, could come together as one body in Christ. This unity was not based on mutual convenience but on the shared experience of God’s grace. The unity of believers is a brilliant witness to the world, showing that Jesus is the Savior who brings people together in love and purpose.
Yet, this kind of unity does not come without challenges. Just as the early church faced the task of navigating doctrinal differences, so too must we remain vigilant in preserving the purity of our faith while living out the Gospel in community.
Doctrinal Unity: Resolving Differences in Community
The early church—just like the church today—faced challenges in maintaining doctrinal unity. Yet, their commitment to resolving differences within the framework of community serves as a model for us to follow.
The Church Has Always Struggled with Doctrinal Drift
Throughout history, doctrinal drift has threatened the purity of the church’s teaching. For example:
Before the Reformation: The Council of Nicaea (AD 325) addressed a serious challenge to Christian beliefs called Arianism. This heresy claimed that Jesus was not fully God but was created by the Father. To settle this, church leaders from all over the Roman Empire came together and clearly stated what the Bible teaches: Jesus is fully God and fully divine, of the same substance as the Father. This decision became a foundation for Christian faith.
After the Reformation: In the 17th century, the English church started to focus more on outward ceremonies and traditions in worship. This caused tension because many of these practices, like using fancy clothing for priests (called vestments) and elaborate rituals, seemed too similar to Roman Catholic traditions. The Puritans wanted to bring worship back to being simple and based only on what the Bible teaches. They opposed things like the Book of Common Prayer, which they felt added unnecessary rules. To address these concerns, the Puritans helped create the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1646. This document set clear guidelines for worship and teaching, showing that the Bible is the ultimate guide for how Christians should live and worship.
In the Last Century: In 1978, evangelical leaders came together to create the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy. This statement was a clear declaration that the Bible is completely trustworthy and accurate, especially during a time when many people were starting to doubt its authority. By affirming the Bible’s reliability, these leaders helped protect and strengthen the faith of the church.
These historical examples remind us that guarding doctrinal purity is an ongoing task for the church.
The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-35)
The Jerusalem Council is a prime example of how the early church addressed doctrinal disputes. In Acts 15, certain individuals from Judea taught that Gentile believers must be circumcised to be saved. This brought Paul and Barnabas into “great dissension and debate” with them (v. 2). To resolve the matter, the church in Antioch sent Paul, Barnabas, and others to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders.
The council began with both sides presenting their cases. Peter then stood and said, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith” (Acts 15:7-9). Peter’s reminder emphasized that salvation comes through faith, not adherence to the Mosaic Law, reinforcing the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan. James affirmed Peter’s testimony, citing Amos 9:11-12 to show that God’s plan always included Gentile inclusion without adherence to the Mosaic Law.
The council concluded by safeguarding essential doctrine—salvation by grace through faith—while allowing freedom in non-essential matters. They sent a letter to the Gentile believers, instructing them to abstain from practices offensive to Jewish Christians, such as eating meat sacrificed to idols (vv. 28-29). This decision maintained the purity of the gospel while promoting unity in the church. It also highlights the critical role of cooperation among local church bodies. If the Antioch and Jerusalem churches had not worked together to resolve this dispute, the gospel’s message might have been fractured by conflicting practices and teachings. Their collaboration preserved the heart of the gospel and demonstrated how interconnectedness strengthens the church’s witness to the world. Today, as then, we must work together as the body of Christ to ensure that our shared faith remains true and unifying, even amidst cultural and doctrinal differences.
Safeguarding Essential Doctrine
Acts 15 underscores the seriousness of safeguarding the core truths of the gospel. Peter’s declaration that “we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus” (v. 11) reflects the uncompromising commitment to essential doctrine. The council’s unified stance reminds us that preserving the purity of the gospel is worth the effort and potential conflict.
Freedom in Non-Essential Doctrines
The council’s decision to ask Gentile believers to abstain from certain practices, such as eating meat sacrificed to idols, highlights the careful balance between maintaining the purity of essential doctrine and respecting cultural diversity. Notably, this was the only requirement placed upon them beyond the essential truth of salvation by grace through faith (vv. 28-29). By limiting additional demands, the council ensured that the gospel’s core remained intact while creating space for cultural differences. This approach shows how flexibility in non-essential matters fosters harmony between Jewish and Gentile believers. It encourages mutual respect for differing practices that do not compromise the gospel, demonstrating how unity can thrive amidst diversity within the body of Christ.
Interconnectedness Means Working Through Differences to Maintain Unity in Christ
The Jerusalem Council shows that interconnectedness requires believers to engage in respectful dialogue, listen to one another, and seek the Spirit’s guidance to resolve disagreements. This principle applies to the church today, where maintaining unity amidst diversity requires wisdom and humility.
Not all doctrines are equal. As Christians, we must understand that some doctrines define us as believers, while others are less clear in scripture. Albert Mohler’s concept of theological triage provides a helpful framework for navigating doctrinal differences. Mohler categorizes doctrines into three levels:
First-Level Doctrines: These include the core truths of the faith, such as the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and salvation by grace through faith. These are non-negotiable and must be upheld for true Christian unity.
Second-Level Doctrines: These doctrines are important, but do not define whether a person is a Christian, but they are important for local church fellowship. While Christians may disagree, these doctrines often determine the structure and practices of individual congregations such as views on baptism or church governance.
Third-Level Doctrines: These doctrines may be discussed and debated within a local body but shouldn’t impact our ability to worship in unity. These include less central issues, such as what we believe about how Christ will return. Diversity can exist even within the same church on these issues.
Mohler’s framework reminds us that not all doctrinal differences carry the same weight. While first-level doctrines must be guarded with vigilance as they define the very foundation of our faith, second-level doctrines also require careful attention because they significantly shape the structure and function of a local church. Agreement on second-level doctrines, such as baptism or church governance, is essential for maintaining harmony and unity within a congregation. Unlike third-level doctrines, where diversity of opinion can often coexist within the same church body, second-level doctrines are crucial for practical fellowship and ministry. This hierarchy ensures that essential truths are preserved while allowing appropriate flexibility where Scripture permits.
By applying this approach, we can work through differences in a way that reflects the unity and love of Christ.
Conclusion
Resolving doctrinal differences is not about winning arguments; it is about glorifying Christ and strengthening His body. As we see in Acts 15, when the early church faced significant disagreements, their goal was not to prove who was right but to preserve the unity of the faith and the purity of the gospel. This requires humility, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to seeking God’s guidance together. Let us follow their example, knowing that such efforts glorify Christ and build up His Church.
The big idea of this sermon is clear: The early church’s interconnectedness through mutual support, shared mission, and doctrinal unity exemplifies God’s design for His people today. We are called to live out this interconnectedness in our own lives by supporting one another, participating in the mission, and striving for unity even in the face of differences. This is not an optional part of our faith but a reflection of the gospel itself.
The gospel that unites us. The same Christ who died and rose again for our salvation desires for His Church to be one, just as He and His Father are one (John 17:11). This is the heart of our faith and the foundation of our unity. Let us live in a way that reflects this truth, for His glory and the good of His Church.
As Jesus prayed in John 17:11, “Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, so that they may be one just as We are.” These words were spoken on the night before Jesus was crucified, during His high priestly prayer. Knowing His time on earth was coming to an end, Jesus poured out His heart to the Father, asking for unity among His followers. This unity was not based on superficial agreement but rooted in their shared relationship with the Father through Christ.
The context of this prayer emphasizes the depth of Christ’s love and the purpose of His mission. He came to reconcile us to God through His life, death, and resurrection. Sin had separated humanity from their Creator, but Jesus’ sacrifice made a way for us to be forgiven and restored. By placing our faith in Him, we are brought into this unity with God and with one another. This is the gospel—that Christ died for our sins, rose again, and calls us to live in unity as His redeemed people. Let us reflect this unity in our lives as a testimony to the transforming power of the gospel.
How deep is your appreciation that your brother or sister has been saved & forgiven by the same Lord that you have? Is it deep enough to swallow up minor criticisms you have of that person? Is it deep enough to bury all the ways they annoy you in whatever fashion? Is it deep enough to give you the motivation to get to know & love them? I wonder how often you think about this. Is your understanding only an inch deep or deep enough to go & repair the broken relationship between you & to drown your grudges? I want you to think about the person with whom you really do not want to get to know. Now think about the fact that the person knows & loves the same Lord that you do. May God cause that realization to spring up mightily in your heart.