The Early Church: The Path to Changing the World

Our theme for the June Today devotions, written by Jul Medenblik, is “The Early Church: The Path to Changing the World.”

One of my favorite statements of faith, Our World Belongs to God, describes the church: “The Spirit gathers people from every tongue, tribe, and nation into the unity of the body of Christ. Anointed and sent by the Spirit, the church is thrust into the world, ambassadors of God’s peace, announcing forgiveness and reconciliation, proclaiming the good news of grace” (paragraph 30).

Last year, in May 2018, Pastor Jul Medenblik helped us see, through the prism of Ascension Day, Pentecost, and the early chapters of Acts, how the church has existed from the beginning of the world as God has been at work to gather and build his people.

For this month, we asked Pastor Jul to continue through the rest of Acts to see the story of the church unfold. As you hear these stories, consider these questions: “How can my church today have the same passion for the gospel that the early church displayed?” “What practices could we do in order to cultivate the faith that the early church had?” “How is God building the church through me?”

As we study God’s Word this month, may our faith and life make a difference in those around us. Pray that the Holy Spirit would equip us as we’re inspired by “The Early Church: The Path to Changing the World.”

Rev. Jul Medenblik is a former attorney who was called to pastoral ministry and became the founding pastor of a church in New Lenox, Illinois. He is currently serving as president of Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jul and his wife, Jackie, are blessed with a son, Joshua, and a daughter, Julianne.

As you read the Today devotionals this month, may you be refreshed, refocused, and renewed in God’s Word!