Establishing Church Culture

Our Lord, Jesus Christ, was and is the Son of the Living God. He came to earth to declare to the lost human race the heart and will of God. He chose twelve men, whom he called disciples, and whom he knew would carry on the work after his departure. He kept them with him for about three and a half years, training them in the work of the ministry and discipling them into his mind and heart.

THE FIRST DISCIPLES:

1. Simon Peter (also known as Cephas)

2. James, son of Zebedee

3. John, brother of James and son of Zebedee

4. Andrew, brother of Simon Peter

5. Philip

6. Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael)

7. Matthew (also known as Levi), the tax collector

8. Thomas (also known as Didymus)

9. James, son of Alphaeus

10. Thaddaeus (also known as Judas, or Lebbaeus)

11. Simon the Zealot

12. Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed Jesus)

In the Bible, the term "Zealots" specifically refers to a Jewish political movement during the 1st century AD which sought to rebel against the Roman Empire and expel it from the Holy Land by military force, if necessary. Among the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, Simon the Zealot is mentioned, indicating that he was associated with or was a part of this political movement before he became a follower of Christ.

It's important to note that the term "Zealot" in the context of the disciples is primarily used to distinguish Simon from Simon Peter and does not necessarily imply that he actively participated in violent actions. The Gospels do not provide details about his activities as a Zealot before joining Jesus' disciples.

It is also important to note that Simon and Matthew both were involved in the political system of their country. One was working whole-heartedly to enrich the Roman government, (the tax collector), and the other was working whole-heartedly to destroy it.

I want you to stop and consider the mind of the Father and Jesus, his first begotten. They knew the mission. They knew the plan of redemption. They knew what it would take to succeed in bringing the gospel message to the nations of the world. Do you think they might have given some thought as to whom they would choose to carry out this assault on Satan’s kingdom? Consider the following:

In this unlikely coalition, we find the farmer, the fishermen, the tax collector and the politician. Can you imagine the diversity of mindsets that existed among them? But this would be the firstfruits of the Church here on earth. What would make them readily abandon all they had? How would they ever become one in their thoughts and judgments? What would Jesus do to make them believe that he was the Son of God? Whatever it is, we must do the same to convince people that we are the sons of God; seeing as how He is our example in every aspect of salvation.

Let us simply stay with the facts, without adding or taking away from them.

1. Coming into Christ made them one with the mind and purpose of Christ.
2. This new mind and purpose did not regard the things of this world as relevant or worthy of their pursuit.
3. They literally abandoned everything they had previously lived for.

Why was this so easy for them? Perhaps it was due to the culture that was created in their union.

There are many secular definitions of culture: civilization, society, way of life, customs, traditions, heritage, habits, ways and values. However, all of these can be used to describe the civil environment of the church. However,in the scriptures, culture for the sons of God,is defined in one word, “conversation.” This word refers to one’s conduct or manner of life, rather than speech.

A SUMMARY OF THE LESSON

Establishing Church Culture: Key Points

The Role of Jesus Christ

- Jesus Christ, identified as the Son of the Living God, came to earth to reveal God's heart and will to humanity.

- He selected twelve disciples to continue His work post-departure, training them for approximately 3.5 years in ministry and discipleship.

Composition of the First Disciples

- The disciples comprised diverse backgrounds: fishermen, a tax collector, and a political activist, showcasing a spectrum of societal roles.

- Simon Peter (Cephas), Matthew (Levi), and Simon the Zealot are highlighted for their unique contributions and backgrounds.

Simon the Zealot and Political Dynamics

- Simon the Zealot's association with a Jewish political movement against Roman rule is noted, contrasting with Matthew's role as a tax collector for Rome.

- This diversity underscores the disciples' broad spectrum of political and social experiences.

Unity and Diversity

- The selection of disciples with varied professions and political views reflects a deliberate choice by Jesus and God to form a coalition capable of challenging Satan's kingdom.

- The disciples' unity, despite diverse backgrounds, signifies the transformative power of their commitment to Jesus and His mission.

Church Culture and "Conversation"

- The concept of "culture" in the church is defined not by secular standards but by "conversation," referring to conduct or manner of life rather than mere speech.

- This redefinition emphasizes the behavioral and ethical transformation expected of believers, aligning with the disciples' example of abandoning worldly pursuits for spiritual unity with Christ.

Scriptural References to "Conversation"

- Verses from Acts, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Timothy, Hebrews, James, and 1 & 2 Peter illustrate the New Testament's use of "conversation" to denote a believer's way of life.

- These scriptures collectively advocate for a lifestyle marked by integrity, charity, faith, purity, and godliness, reflecting the foundational principles of church culture as established by Jesus and His disciples.

Conclusion

The establishment of church culture as described focuses on the alignment of believers' lives with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. The narrative of the first disciples serves as a blueprint for creating a community united in purpose and conduct, transcending individual backgrounds and social roles.