They risked their very lives and freedom just to receive our Lord in Holy Communion and to hear the Gospel read and many of us find it too inconvenient to bother with Mass/Church on Sundays.
Peace Be With You?
2007-12-06 02:55:12 · 30 answers · asked by Debra M. Wishing Peace To All 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It was said of the "How these Christians love one another!"
I doubt that many would say the same today.
2007-12-06 10:30:07 · answer #1 · answered by James O 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The first-century Christians were a mixed lot, as are Christians today.
Jesus described his contemporaries as an evil and adulterous generation. Some of his followers deserted him when his teachings went against their wishes (see John 6).
The Apostles had to contend with false teachers, a man who tried to make Christianity into a magic show, and men who tried to cast out demons without Christianity and got beat up by the demon possessed. Paul railed against those bringing false doctrines. Thus heresies, false Christians, and worldly people in the Church would not surprise them.
The first-century Christians would clearly be startled to learn of 30,000 denominations all claiming to be "churches." Jesus started only one human organization, the Church, with actual leaders, rules, and membership requirements, and he prayed for the unity of this Church. The notion that people can start their own rival organizations to the Church without apostolic succession would be unthinkable.
Probably the greatest shock would be people who call themselves Christians who promote the killing of prenatal children by abortion and homosexual immorality. These two issues have ALWAYS been basic moral convictions that distinguish Christianity from the world.
Cheers,
Bruce
2007-12-06 04:30:16 · answer #2 · answered by Bruce 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think they would be saddened by the number of sects, cults and denominations there are. I think they would find it sad that we don't live in community as they did (after Pentecost) - and our wealth would in some cases simply horrify them.
The Lord is in the believers in the form of the Holy Spirit, not in the elements of Holy Communion. Conversely they would be pleased that the Gospel has stayed true for nearly 2000 years.
2007-12-06 06:47:04 · answer #3 · answered by pwwatson8888 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
acid zebra is partially right,
they would not recognize those who call themselves christians as being christians for many, serious persecution was the soup of the day
on the otherhand, they might recognize this as the apostate church of the last days.
i have read often that people long ago were not educated and not smart. This is not true at all of them. and they had real insight and wisdom because every day the played a game called, you bet your life
if they guessed wrong, they could starve, be caught in the cold and freeze or be taken by highwaymen (what we now called elected officials) and robbed blind.
i could easily see them recognizing Jude being played out, along with matt 24-25 clearly sounding in trumpets and drums.
2007-12-06 05:35:01 · answer #4 · answered by magnetic_azimuth 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They'd be strangers in a strange land. Comparing the world they lived in to ours from their point of view is not possible. I am positive if they were born now they'd be the same way we are. And there are those like de Chardin who argue that humana nd Christian consciousness has advanced over time en masse so that we are already far ahead of where they ever could have gotten. I suppose we could romatically pine for 1st century Palestine but I think that would be idealstic.
2007-12-06 03:00:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Interesting question and perspective, Debra.
They'd be in shock. I think in a good way at first to see how the Word has spread. I think they'd also be devastated about the violence that's been committed in the name of God.
I think they'd be confused by all the ritual surrounding what to them was a simple meal. Simple, sure, but significant.
And I wonder if the Gospel(s) were read or spoken as oral history... at least at first.
I think the Bible would astound them. I would love to study with them!!!!
That's the first place I'm going once I get my flux capacitor running! (I j/K there, but all else is sincere)
peace to you, Debra
2007-12-06 03:27:20 · answer #6 · answered by Green is my Favorite Color 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes it seems humans are falling farther and farther from God through the ages in the Bible and even today. Think about it back in Old Rome Christians bravely died to profess their faith and their love of God. There is so much hatred and violence in this world now we need God more than ever.
I am a devoted Christian and one day want to go on a mission to the Middle East and witness to people who don't know God there. I believe if every Christian could just try to resist temptation and witness to people that don't know God the world would be a much better place and we might be able to reenter the generations of peace and love of the Old Testament.
2007-12-06 03:11:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
the question should actually be is the Lord disappointed in us? Even though I completely agree that the early Christians put their life on the line for Christ, and most of us here in America , if we live in America, feel persecuted because we answer a question on Yahoo with a bible verse and get blasted. Shame on us!!
2007-12-06 03:25:52 · answer #8 · answered by AdoreHim 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Christians in Iraq are losing their lives for believing in Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, today.
Heaven is being populated with more Christian Martyrs..
I doubt the Christian Martyrs are disappointed in us. Their hope is for others to come to Gods Saving Grace.
As Saints in heaven ask the Lord, "How long Lord, How Long will your Saints be martyred?". Jesus said, "For a while yet, until the rest die because of their faith in Me." (from biblical recall). This will be during the antichrist reign & every believer in Christ will be martyred. I think Israel may be in a boat of safety on earth. Since they are told to flee to safety when the abomination of desolation sits in the temple claiming to be God...
2007-12-06 03:32:34 · answer #9 · answered by t_a_m_i_l 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Why do you think that because they were persecuted and we are not that they would shun us? Perhaps they would come to this century and marvel at 2,000 years of works done in the name of their religion (and most of them were good!).
Also, don't forget that the first century Christians included Mary, James, John, Timothy, Paul, etc.; people whom we know a lot about, even intimately. I have a feeling that it would not be in their character to be judgemental in that fashion when all they preached was Love your neighbor.
2007-12-06 03:17:58 · answer #10 · answered by L 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If they were really Christians, following the Gospels and reading their Bibles, they would have known we were headed for all of this - and here we are! They were praying for us way back then and we are praying for what is to come.....
2007-12-06 03:05:01 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋