The church today often appears distant from the vibrant, Spirit-filled community that is vividly portrayed in the book of Acts. What we deem "normal" Christianity now may be quite abnormal when compared to the early church. The first Christians, empowered by the Holy Spirit, experienced a daily reality that was nothing short of miraculous. Their gatherings were marked by the tangible presence of God, where healings, miracles, deliverances, and revivals were not the exception but the norm.

Today, many churches have settled for less, embracing a form of godliness but denying its power. This post is a call to return to the authentic, Spirit-filled Christianity that God intended for His church.

The Early Church: A Power-Packed Community

In the book of Acts, we see a church that was not just alive but overflowing with the power of the Holy Spirit. Their lives were a demonstration of God's kingdom on earth, and their meetings were a display of His power. Here are some key aspects of the early church that should challenge us today:

1. Anointing of the Holy Spirit:

   • “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses...” (Acts 1:8)
     Every believer was filled with the Holy Spirit and walked in that power. The anointing was not reserved for a select few; it was the birthright of every follower of Christ. This power enabled them to be bold witnesses and to carry out the works of Jesus.

2. Deliverance and Healing:

   • “The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.” (Acts 5:16)
     Deliverance from demonic oppression and physical healing were daily occurrences. The early church understood that the same Jesus who healed the sick and cast out demons was alive and working through them by the Holy Spirit. There was an expectation that God would show up in power, and He did.

3. Miracles as a Daily Reality:

   • “Many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles.” (Acts 5:12)
     Miracles were not a rare event but a regular part of the Christian experience. Whether it was the healing of a lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:1-10) or the raising of the dead (Acts 9:36-41), the early Christians lived in a continual state of supernatural expectation.

4. Revivals and Mass Conversions:

   • “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41)
     The early church was in a constant state of revival. On the day of Pentecost alone, three thousand people were added to the church. This was not a one-time event but the beginning of a wave of conversions as the gospel spread like wildfire.

5. A Church Empowered for Daily Impact:

   • “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47)
     The early church wasn’t just impactful on Sundays; they were a force for change every day. Their influence extended beyond their gatherings into the streets, marketplaces, and homes. The Spirit’s power was evident in their daily lives, drawing people to Christ.

The Modern Church: Where Are We Today?

When we look at many churches today, the contrast with the early church is striking. Instead of being known for the power and presence of God, many modern churches have become known for their programs, buildings, and activities. While these things are not inherently wrong, they often take the place of the Holy Spirit's active presence.

1. Lack of Anointing and Power: The anointing of the Holy Spirit seems to be a rare occurrence in many congregations. The focus has shifted from being filled with the Spirit to being entertained or intellectually stimulated. The absence of power has led to a Christianity that is more about words than deeds.

2. Scarcity of Healings and Deliverances: While the early church regularly saw miraculous healings and deliverances, these are now seen as extraordinary events, if they happen at all. Many have become skeptical of the supernatural, reducing Christianity to a set of moral teachings rather than a living, powerful faith.

3. Miracles Are Rare, Not Routine: In many churches, miracles are treated as distant memories from the Bible, rather than a present reality. The expectation for God to move supernaturally has diminished, leading to a church experience that is more routine than miraculous.

4. Revival Has Become a Special Event: Instead of living in a state of continual revival, many churches treat revival as a special event—a weekend conference or a guest speaker’s visit. The idea of daily conversions and mass movements of the Spirit has been replaced by a focus on church growth strategies and membership drives.

5. Sunday-Centered Faith: For many, Christianity has become a once-a-week activity, rather than a daily lifestyle. The early church impacted their world every day, but today, much of the church’s impact is confined to Sunday services.

A Call to Return to Spirit-Filled Christianity

The church today must decide whether to continue down the path of complacency or to return to the powerful, Spirit-filled life that God intends. The early church was not extraordinary; it was the normal expression of what it means to follow Christ. What we see today is abnormal, a far cry from the dynamic community God intends His church to be.

We need a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Every believer should be filled with the Spirit, walking in the anointing that Jesus promised. There should be deliverances, healings, miracles, and revivals happening not just occasionally, but every Sunday and in our daily lives.

The world needs to see a church that is alive with the power of God—a church where the sick are healed, the oppressed are set free, and the lost are brought to Christ. We are called to be more than a social club; we are the body of Christ, empowered to change the world.

Let us return to the normal Christianity of the book of Acts, where the Holy Spirit moves powerfully and daily, and where God’s kingdom is manifested on earth through His people. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in us—let us live in that power and see our world transformed.