How The Modern Day Church Has Strayed from the Early Church

In the days of the apostles, the church was marked by an unshakable devotion to the teachings of God Almighty, delivered to us through His Son, Jesus, and grounded in the timeless principles of Scripture. The early church was marked by its unwavering devotion to God Almighty, a deep love for their fellow believers (brothers), and a steadfast commitment to obeying God’s commands, even in the face of persecution and hardship. They lived out their faith with sincerity, often gathering in homes to pray, worship, and share everything they had with one another.

Over the centuries, the Church has gradually drifted away from its original foundation, resulting in a significant struggle to maintain unity. Today, there are over 33,000 differing Christian denominations, each with its own interpretations and practices.

This fragmentation stands in stark contrast to the early church, which was unified and of one mind, sharing a common faith and purpose. The modern era, however, has seen an overwhelming amount of diversity in beliefs, doctrines, and traditions, leading to divisions that often hinder collaboration and spiritual unity among Christians. This raises important questions about how to bridge these gaps and return to a more unified expression of faith.

This article explores how the modern-day church has strayed from the path of the early church and encourages believers to return to the core values that once defined the faith of the original church.

Lack of Biblical Teaching and Obedience to God’s Commandments

One of the most concerning ways the modern church has drifted is by neglecting biblical teaching on obedience to God’s commands. Pastors and leaders often sidestep topics like obedience, sin, judgment, and hell in favor of more “marketable” messages that appeal to contemporary audiences. The early church, however, emphasized the need for repentance and unwavering adherence to God’s Word.

Here are some key Bible verses that stress the importance of obeying God’s commandments:

• John 14:15 – “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

• 1 John 5:3 – “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”

• Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

• 1. James 1:22 – “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

• 2. Romans 2:13 – “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.”

• 3. John 15:10 – “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”

• 4. Luke 11:28 – “But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!'”

• 5. Psalm 119:44 – “I will keep your law continually, forever and ever.”

• 6. Deuteronomy 11:1 – “You shall therefore love the Lord your God and keep his charge, his statutes, his rules, and his commandments always.”

These verses reinforce the biblical teaching that obedience plays a crucial role in the believer’s relationship with God.

Even the Apostle Paul underscored the relationship between obedience and a life in Christ:

• Romans 6:16 – “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?”

• Romans 2:13 – “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.”

• 1 Thessalonians 4:7 – “For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.”

• 1. Philippians 2:12 – “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed— not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”

• 2. Galatians 5:19-21 – “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

• 3. Ephesians 5:6-7 – “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.”

• 4. Colossians 3:5-6 – “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.”

• 5. Romans 12:1-2 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God— this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

These verses clarify that the promises of righteousness, justification, and sanctification come from a foundation of faith and rooted in the obedience to God’s commands.

Focus on Materialism

Materialism has crept into the church and, in many cases, become the driving force behind its pursuits. Mega-churches are adorned with opulent decor and messages focused on personal gain, and wealth rather than spiritual growth, loving God in obedience to God Almighty’s commands. While the early church encouraged believers to give generously and care for one another, their ultimate focus was on staying faithful to God’s commandments, and the will of God.

The Bible offers a different perspective on material wealth:

• Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

• 1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”

• Luke 12:15 – “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Material wealth should never become a substitute for spiritual richness. The early church stayed true to this principle, encouraging believers to share their resources and remain focused on their faith.

Diluted Doctrine

The modern church has also watered down the doctrine of Christ, making it more palatable to the world. Sermons frequently emphasize acceptance and worldly success while neglecting the spiritual need to live in obedience to God’s will. While an inclusive church is important, diluting doctrine often leads to the erosion of biblical truth.

Consider these verses that tie obedience to remaining in God’s love:

• John 15:10 – “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”

• Deuteronomy 11:1 – “You shall therefore love the Lord your God and keep his charge, his statutes, his rules, and his commandments always.”

• 1 John 2:5 – “But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.”

When scripture is altered to fit cultural trends, the church risks losing the very foundation of its faith.

Overemphasis on Spectacle

One striking difference is the modern church’s focus on spectacle. From elaborate performances and high-tech productions to visually stunning presentations, the emphasis on entertainment often takes center stage. While these elements captivate audiences, they often overshadow the core purpose of brotherly gatherings, shifting attention away from spiritual depth, edification, and teachings from the word of God. By contrast, the early church focused on being set-apart, gathering in unity, and worshiping together in Spirit and truth.

Jesus rebuked outward displays of religion devoid of true inward worship:

• John 4:23-24 – “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

• Matthew 6:7 – “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.”

Returning to authentic, heartfelt worship is the key to rediscovering the power and intimacy that defined the early church.

Rediscovering the Values of the Early Church

The early church relied on simple, unwavering devotion to God’s Word, consistently teaching and living out obedience to His commands. Modern churches have much to learn from this example. By prioritizing biblical teaching, rejecting materialism, holding fast to doctrinal truth, and focusing on sincere worship, the church can rediscover the power that once ignited the apostles’ faith.

The call is clear: it is time to return to the foundation established by Christ and His disciples. Seek out a church and a community that honors the Father as God and His Son as the Messiah. Pursue biblical obedience, always doing the Father’s will, and do not hesitate to keep moving forward in pursuit of the truth. Stay steadfast in your faith, remain in God’s love, committing to His commandments, which will always nourish and strengthen the seed of your faith, helping it grow deeper and stronger.

This continued faithfulness and trust in God will lead to righteousness, justification, and sanctification, shaping our hearts and aligning our lives with God’s will. By staying rooted in His word and living according to His will, God will continue transforming us, refining us for the Master’s purpose, bringing us closer to the life He has called us to live.

Reconnect with the heart of the early church and rediscover the vibrant faith that changes lives and draws people to Christ, so that we can be led to God Almighty!

How To Be Saved According To Jesus

What must I do to be saved?

“Sirs, what ​must​ I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30) That question, that has echoed in the hearts of men down through the ages, since the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas. It touches that universal wish in all of us to understand the meaning of our lives and to have hope for the future.

The response given by Paul and Silas is not complicated; they simply say, “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). So, what does it actually mean to believe in or to “believe on”? Check out this amazing article on How To Be Saved According To Jesus

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