Reference to the early church in the New Testament
In the New Testament book of James (2:15-17), James points to the importance of caring for one another. James says that having faith in God must show itself in the way the people of the Church act.
James asks and answers a question.
Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 鈥楪o in peace; keep warm and well fed鈥, but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
For James, the Church must be a place where people look after one another. Faith is more than just something a person believes. True faith must also change a person. If faith does not change a person then James concludes that the faith is dead.
The Church must be a place where faith is not merely belief, but where it transforms people to act and to care for one another.
In the New Testament book of Colossians (3:12-17), Paul points to the characteristics of the Church. He says that the Church is to be made up from those who seek to show compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Paul also points to the importance of forgiveness. Forgiveness is to move on from another person鈥檚 sin and not to cast it up against them in the future.
Paul then calls Christians to live in peace with one another. In any community it is important for peacefulness to exist so that people can live together and be productive.
Finally, Paul points to the importance of singing.
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Hymns and singing are important for a number of reasons:
- Teaching 鈥 as Christians sing songs and hymns the truths of what they are signing continue to teach them more about God.
- Admonishing (warning) 鈥 singing hymns and songs helps Christians to correct one another as they examine their lives against the words they sing.
- Praising 鈥 songs and hymns help Christians to worship God and thank Him for the good things He has done for them.