This study was first taught on May 13, 2018

Topic: The Birth of the Church (2)Suddenly

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Background
In our last meeting, we began to look at the “Birth of the Church” under the global theme, "The Book of the Acts of the Apostles", and we the birth of the Church did not just happen; but was spoken of long ago both in the word of God and by the Feasts that Israel celebrated annually. We saw that the Passover spoke of Christ’s crucifixion; the Feast of the First Fruits spoke of Christ, the First-fruits from the dead; and, the Feast of Harvest as the birth of the Church (with the two loaves waved, signifying the 120—the first loaf—and the 3,000—the second loaf).

Unlike the secular meaning of the word “Ekklesia”, we noted that the Church once gathered from the world, never returns there again! Also, the Church gathers for a purpose, and all ought to know that purpose, and execute it—one of which is harvesting of the souls of men!

Scripture Text(s)
Acts 2:1-4
Our scripture text states that the events that took place on the Day of Pentecost happened suddenly. In this study, we shall be focusing on the word, “Suddenly” in relation to the birth and development of the Church. May God help us to receive understanding and see how He does things, even in other aspects of our lives, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Although God speaks of things to come many times, and it may seem like His word is sounding like a ‘broken record’, yet it shall surely come to pass; and suddenly at that! The word “suddenly” means: “In an unexpected manner”; “At an unexpected hour”; “Without premonition”; “Without warning”; “Hastily”; or “Instantly”.
Exodus 12:29, 32, 33, 51; Malachi 3:1; Matthew 21:8-17; Proverbs 29:1; Revelation 22:10-13; Psalm 126:1-2; Isaiah 66:7-9; Romans 13:11-14.

Conclusion
The birth of the Church was indeed a fulfillment of prophecy—the things that God had said all along in Scripture! And even though He had been speaking of it and had the people of the Old Covenant demonstrate it annually through Feasts, yet the significance of what they were doing did not dawn on them. And when what God had been saying and requiring Israel to demonstrate annually finally became a reality, it happened suddenly!

This has always been the pattern of God in everything He does (Isaiah 48:3). He would speak of something that He is going to do repeatedly, until it seems that it will not happen, and then, He would do it suddenly. He’s done it several times in Scripture, and He’s doing it again in the lives of His children. So, as sure as God brought forth the Church into existence, so will be do what He has promised you, no matter how long it may take!

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