Pressing On
To Build the Church
January 8, 2023
Rev. Dr. Gabe Sylvia
When the early church faced the loss of a leader, they responded by uniting in persistent corporate prayer and by discerningly pressing on with the mission, choosing leaders in dependence on God's providence and forgiveness.
Summary
Luke's account in Acts shows the foundation of the church: when a crisis came (the loss of Judas), the community didn't panic but gathered in unified, stubborn prayer and trusted God's guidance. From that posture they addressed practical questions—how to continue the apostolic mission and choose leaders—recognizing no automatic 'apostolic succession' but a need for prayerful, discerning selection of elders and deacons. Corporate prayer is portrayed as a primary means of grace, fueling perseverance, and the people are called back to confession and the assurance of forgiveness (1 John 1:9) as they carry forward the gospel work.
Key Points
- The early church's first response to crisis was unified, persistent corporate prayer.
- Acts provides the foundational example and principles for church mission: practices to follow and principles to apply.
- Two essentials for church perseverance: the practice of prayer and the principle of pressing on.
- Corporate prayer is stubborn, expectant, and a chief way God supplies grace to his people.
- The apostles interpreted Judas' betrayal providentially; understanding this is important for the church's faith in God's plan.
- The mission required a full apostolic witness (12), but there is no automatic apostolic succession—leadership must be chosen with prayer and discernment.
- The congregation participates in nominating elders and deacons; selection should be prayerful and discerning.
- Christians are called to confession and to rely on God's faithful forgiveness (1 John 1:9) as they persevere in kingdom work.
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