COMMUNAL LIVING IN THE EARLY CHRISTIAN

 

FIRST TERM SS 3

 

CRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES 

 

CRS 

 

WEEK TEN

TOPIC: COMMUNAL LIVING IN THE EARLY CHRISTIAN

CONTENT                                                

·        Election of the successor of Judas Iscariot Act 1:15-26

·        Identify the characteristics of the early Christian community.

·        Disclose the problem of the early Christian communal living.

 

ELECTION OF THE SUCCESSOR OF JUDAS ISCARIOT Act 1:15-26

Fellowship in the early church depicts the intimate relationship that existed among the brethren of the early church.

After Jesus Christ’s ascension the apostles and the disciples about one hundred and twenty of them were together. Peter addressed them on the need to find a replacement for Judas Iscariot who had committed suicide following his betrayal of Jesus Christ. The person must have also witnessed, resurrection and ascension and should preach the gospel and take care of the needs of the Christian community.

Two names were forwarded – Barnabas and Matthias. After they prayed they cast lots for them; the lot fell on Matthias. He was numbered among the Eleven.

After Peter’s speech on the Pentecost day, about three thousand men were converted to Christianity. Thus, the number joined the apostles to form the first Christian community, living a communal life. They ate together. Lived together and did almost everything in common.

 

EVALUATION

1.                 Describe the election for the replacement of Judas Iscariot.

2.                 Mention the names of the twelve disciples of Jesus.

3. Explore the characteristics of the early Christian community.

4. Explain the key issues and challenges faced by the early Christian communal living.

 

Identify the characteristics of the early Christian community.

1.                 They all lived as a community sharing, Fellowshipping, praying and praising God.

2.                 There was a common purse for all disciples and the ones who had enough food shared it with others according to each person’s need. Those who owned lands and other properties sold them and deposited the proceed at the apostles’ feet for the common use of all.

3.                 There was the spirit of oneness among them, as they worshipped God daily, sharing what they could afford with joy God responded by multiplying their number greatly daily.

4.                 They had great faith in God, abandoning their properties and taking up a new life of sharing and caring for others to follow Jesus Christ.

5.                 The early Christian community was characterized by love, compassion, care and unity as they strove to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. This enabled them to overcome the many challenges they faced in the early days of Christianity, paving the way for its rapid growth and success.

 

EVALUATION

1.                 What social problems brought about the appointment of deacons in the early church.

2.                 Mention five social problems facing the church today.

 

PROBLEMS OF THE EARLY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY AND SOLUTIONS – Act 5:1-11

Like any other organization of human beings, the joy and communal living among the brethren gave way to human weaknesses and problems. In the early church dishonesty and discrimination came in to destroy and discrimination came in to destroy the spirit of fellowship but was quickly stopped by the apostles. The case of Ananias and Sapphira showed the whole church. They lied upon the Holy spirit; they died a shameful death.

 

The early church was made up of Hebrews, Greeks and people from other nations of the world. Problem arose when the non-Jews accused the Jews of neglecting their widows in the daily distribution of food that was donated by the wealthy members of the church. A meeting was summoned at the end of the meeting, seven deacons were chosen from the congregation. The selected deacons included: Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas.

Some social problems are facing the church today.

1.                 The issue of women ordination.

2.                 So many pastors take the work of God as part time duty.

3.                 Local traditions are clashing with Christian values and ethics.

4.                 Stealing of church funds.

5.                 The urge to get rich over night by pastors.

6.                 Proliferation of churches.

7.                 Lack of unity among members.

8.                 Fight for positions of authority.

9.                 Differences in doctrine.

10.             The legitimacy or otherwise of polygamy.

11.                 The rise of cults and heresies in the church.

12.                 Controversial teachings on marriage and family values from some Christian leaders.

13.             Sexual abuse by religious leaders.

14.                   Lack of support for mission work among churches and denominations.

15.                   Lack of commitment to Church activities and engagement in social ills.

Despite these challenges, the church continues to survive and thrive as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all people of faith, offering spiritual guidance and support for those who are seeking meaning and purpose in their lives. But it is important that we work together to address these problems and find solutions that will help us grow stronger in our faith and build a more vibrant and inclusive community of believers.​

 

EVALUATION

1.                 Mention five challenges of present-day church.

2.                 What are the solutions to these challenges?

 

LESSON TO LEARN

1.                 There is no human organization that does not experience problems of one kind or another.

2.                 Dishonesty and lies do not pay but lead to death.

3.                 The poor and less privileged should be cared for in the church.

4.                 Domestic problems in the church should not be allowed to distract us from the major task of evangelism.

5.                 We should seek solutions to problems proactively and not passively.

6.             Unity is key to growth, progress and development in the church.

7.             All Christians should be committed to evangelism and mission work in order to share the love of God with all people.

8.                                 We should be open-minded and always seek to learn from the wisdom of others, particularly those who have gone before us.

9.                 We must stand up against injustice and speak out against wrongdoing in the church and in society at large.

10.               We must continue to be guided by our faith and values as we seek to build a more inclusive and harmonious church community.​

 

GENERAL EVALUATION

1.                 Mention five social problems facing the church today.

2.                 How did the apostles solve the problem of favoritism in the early church?

3.                 Describe the protection of God over the Israelites.

4.                 Discuss the effect of the Red Sea event on the Israelites.

5.                 Narrate the parable of the prodigal son.

 

READING ASSIGNMENT

Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS 1- 3 By Martins I. Amaechi Page 196 -200

 

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1.                 The man who succeeded Judas as an apostle was (a) Peter (b) Barnabas (c)Philip (d)Matthias

2.                 The first problem that crept into the early church was (a)the dishonesty and death of Ananias and Sapphira (b)the problem of favoritism (c) The problem of food (d) The problem of leadership

3.                 The seven deacons of the early church had the primary role of (a)baptizing (b) preaching (c)healing (d) daily distribution

4.                 The couple who died for lying to the Holy Spirit was (a) Joseph and Mary (b)Ahab and Jezebel (c)Ananias and Sapphira (d) Elkanah and Peninnah

5.                 The man noted for his generosity in the early church was____. (a) Simon (b) Peter (c) Barnabas (d) Stephen.

6.             The event that caused the Israelites to rejoice in Egypt was the (a) betrayal of Joseph by his brothers (b) death of Jacob and Isaac (c) burning of Sodom and Gomorrah (d) killing of all Egyptian first-born

7.                 The man who returned home after wasting his fortune was (a) Joseph (b) The prodigal son (c) Jacob (d) Job

8.                 The old man who advised his children to live a righteous life was ____. (a) Abraham (b) Issac (c) Jacob (d) Elkanah

9.             When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, they were immediately pursued by Pharaoh’s (a) soldiers (b) slaves (c) priests (d) elders

10.             According to the parable of prodigal son, God welcomed his children back with ____. (a) humility and tolerance (b) anger and punishment (c) love and forgiveness (d) indifference and resignation.​

Overall, the early Christian community was characterized by a strong sense of faith and devotion to God, as well as a commitment to communal living, generosity, tolerance, and evangelism. This made it possible for them to overcome many of the social challenges that they faced during this time, such as favoritism and divisions within the church, injustice and wrongdoing in society, and issues related to leadership, evangelism, and mission. Ultimately, the success of the early Christian community can be seen as a testament to the power of God’s love and guidance, as well as His desire for us all to live harmoniously together in peace and understanding.​

 

THEORY

1.                 What social problems brought about the appointment of deacons in the early church?

2.                 Mention five social problems facing the church today?