Many Christians are familiar with the expressions "The Apostles Creed" and "The Apostles Doctrine". What is known today as the official "Apostles Creed" of the church is an early, eloquent and simple 12 point clarification of what Christians believed in contrast to the pagans. Its form dates back to the second century. These beliefs were often recited when believers were baptized.

However, it is in the Book of Acts and the New Testament epistles themselves that we have a fuller record of what the apostles believed and preached. Dr. Luke proves that the message of the early church is consistent with the message Jesus commissioned them to preach.

Luke 24:46-47  , "Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem."

He also proves that, contrary to misconceptions that abound today, there were not many gospels and many versions of Christianity in the first century.

The church at Pentecost was unified in spirit and in truth. They gathered regularly to learn more of what Christ has accomplished on their behalf. They were continually catching up on what had happened in their conversion!  And they grew in their appreciation of the good news. Soon they were going everywhere gossiping the gospel! And the Word spread and the life of Christ was multiplied as the Lord added new members to His corporate body, the church.

There is much that we can learn from the example of the apostles and the early church!  How they responded to each challenge informs us as to how we can experience victory in the midst of temptations to sin and compromise and deal with onslaughts of persecution. 

Join us this September as we are encouraged, equipped and mobilized to be effective ambassadors for Christ and as we continue to compassionately impact others in Jesus' Name.