A.J. Tomlinson and many of our early pioneers in this movement had it right; the Church is the greatest revelation of God to mankind. She is the “apple of His eye” and the beautiful bride for His Son. It was for her that Christ died and shed His blood (Acts 20:28); all creation is anticipating her unveiling (Romans 8:19). Who is she? She is the heart of God’s eternal purpose (Ephesians 1:4-10; 3:11).
The apostle Paul under inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote to the saints in Ephesus and revealed the mystery which had been hidden for ages. This mystery was the unfolding of God’s eternal plan to expand the fellowship of the Trinity through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ and bring all who would believe (Jew and Gentile) into one body, His Church (Ephesians 2:16). The people of God (the Church) under both the old covenant and the new were to reflect the personality and nature of the Trinity; which according to Paul is love (Ephesians 3:19).
In Paul’s letters, one realizes that he is driven to establish Christian communities, not simply get people saved. Converts for the apostle are not the goal they are the means to a greater end: the formation and extension of the visible church. What does this mean to us in the 21st Century? A lot!
For one thing, focusing only on harvesting souls without the intent to disciple them would be anathema for Paul. He understood that the visible church living in loving relationships with one another was the greatest evangelistic tool the world could ever see. History attests to this truth: the early church impacted their unbelieving world by the “way” (Acts refers to the church as “the Way” six times) they were learning to live the Christian life.
Another thing. For the most part, they experienced church life in small groups. Most of the believers in the cities and villages of Acts met in the informality of their homes. (Church buildings came later and changed the whole dynamic of the gathered-church). They met as God’s family and were being taught and led by the Holy Spirit to experience both the fellowship of the Trinity and the saints. The small group setting still provides the best environment for being tutored by the Holy Spirit on how to live and be the Church on earth.
For information on how to bring a Small Group Seminar to your local church contact International Director of Christian Education, Marvin Eskew: (423)559-5323 or email:marvin@cogop.org.