The church is the new fellowship of those who follow Christ. On Pentecost Peter continued his instruction to the new believers, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” (Acts 2:40), which certainly included the joining of a new fellowship. Had the synagogue rulers and its people decided to be baptized and become followers of Jesus, the Messiah, they certainly would have formed the nucleus of the new church. Instead, as it was, the new believers met in the temple courts, the large open, public space in front of and along the sides of the temple proper to hear the continued teaching of the Apostles. Certainly, what they taught is what we have in the Gospels of the Bible.
The church continues to proclaim the teaching of Christ and the testimony of the Apostles.
They also ate together, fellowshipped, and prayed together in their homes. Here, too, the teaching of Jesus was shared with those who were not able to go to the temple courts. Many of the wealthier people sold their properties and possessions and gave to those who were in need. Signs and wonders were performed by the Apostles and in answer to prayer (Acts 2:42-47)
We may have grown up experiencing church attendance as an onerous obligation, but it is so necessary for the development of our life as Christians. People from broken homes and with hard-luck experiences need and have a deep-down desire to be loved and accepted, not judged and rejected. This is found in a church where the large group gathers for instruction, like the Apostles who met daily in the temple courts. It also was found as they met in homes, in small groups, for personalized discipleship and mentoring, and for confession of sins, doubts and fears, and where everyone intercedes for one another in prayer. The extended family that many gave up was replaced by a new family, the family of believers.
Humble like children. Of such is the kingdom of heaven, the family of God.
When Jesus ministered, he brought the good news of forgiveness, salvation, and a new life. It is in the context of the believing church that the followers of Jesus begin living as though they were in heaven. The kingdom of this world and the weakness of the flesh is an ever-present reality, but it is the kingdom of heaven that forms our new identity. More and more we learn what it means to love God and give him priority in everything, and we learn how to love our fellowman. This is the beginning of heaven being lived out in here on earth. This brings us into conflict with the present world order and we may suffer for it. The suffering is well worth it. Not even death can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, our Lord. There will be a Day when the Lord Jesus returns and every enemy will be judged and cast out, and we will share in a new creation. This is the fulfillment of the Good News.