Characteristics of the early Church
In the The second part of the Christian Bible containing 27 books consisting of four types of literature: letters (epistles), gospels, history and prophecy. book of Matthew (chapter 10) Jesus sent out the disciples to preach and teach and to do miracles. These activities were common in the early Church.
The teaching and preaching in the early Church was the message that 鈥渢he kingdom of heaven is near鈥. This was central to the Christian belief and reminded people that they needed to be right with God by asking forgiveness for their sins.
After Jesus returned to Heaven, Christians started their wait for him to come back to Earth. The phrase 鈥渢he kingdom of heaven is near鈥 reminded them that Jesus could come back at any time.
The miracles of the early Church included:
- healing the sick
- raising the dead
- cleansing the leper
- driving out demons
These miracles were evidence of God at work in the early Church.
Why do these kinds of miracles not happen today?
Some suggest that these miracles were only meant for the early stage of the Church when it was new and people did not know about Christianity. The miracles gave the Christian message credibility as God could be seen at work. The Church today is well known and miracles are no longer needed.
Some claim that miracles are still possible, but that people no longer have the faith required to experience them.
Some denominations today emphasise examples of healings or unexplainable events 鈥 for example, people Regarded as a gift from God, it is the act of speaking in an unknown language during worship. (other languages the person has not previously learnt) as miraculous experiences.