Tag: theology

Jesus never promised an easy road for those who follow Him. In fact, He said quite the opposite:

“Enter by the narrow gate… For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
— Matthew 7:13–14

The early Christians didn’t just understand this—they lived it. Their path was narrow. Their lives were hard. But they counted the cost, took up their crosses, and followed their King with joy.

They knew that Kingdom citizenship came with sacrifice, but they also knew it came with an eternal reward.

They Counted the Cost Before Following

Unlike modern altar calls that often emphasize blessing over burden, the early Church believed that following Christ meant dying to self. Jesus warned:

“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple… any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be My disciple.”
— Luke 14:27, 33

This wasn’t theoretical. They risked their jobs, homes, families, and lives. And they followed anyway.

They Chose the Hard Road Over the Popular One

The world offered comfort, protection, and compromise. But these believers knew that the wide road leads to destruction. They chose:

• Poverty over dishonesty
• Imprisonment over idolatry
• Martyrdom over military service
• Rejection over reputation

They knew that obedience might cost them everything. And still, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ (Acts 5:41).

Discipleship Was a Lifelong Surrender

For them, faith wasn’t a moment—it was a movement of the heart toward lifelong obedience. Baptism marked the beginning of a radical new allegiance. They didn’t ask, “What’s the minimum I must give?” They asked, “How can I give all?”

“Let none of you turn deserter… let us serve God with a pure heart, and we shall be found righteous in the last day.”
— 2 Clement 11

What About Today?

The Church today often minimizes the cost to maximize attendance. But Christ never changed His standard. The gate is still narrow. The cross is still required. And true discipleship still demands total surrender.

To be a citizen of the Kingdom means to walk a road that the world will never understand—but one that leads to life eternal.

What We Can Learn

1. Jesus calls us to count the cost—not just raise a hand.
2. Discipleship means daily surrender and sacrifice.
3. The narrow road is hard—but it leads to life.
4. The reward far outweighs the suffering.

Sources:

• The Holy Bible — Matthew 7:13–14; Luke 14:27, 33; Acts 5:41
• 2 Clement, ch. 11
• Tertullian, On Baptism
• Hermas, Commandments and Similitudes

From the moment Jesus ascended into heaven, the early Church lived with one clear expectation: He’s coming back.

This wasn’t just a theological hope—it was a daily reality that shaped how they lived, how they suffered, and how they prioritized their time. Their eyes were not fixed on empires, comfort, or cultural influence. Their hearts were anchored in the certain return of their King.

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus… will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.”
— Acts 1:11

They Lived in Readiness, Not Speculation

The early Christians didn’t obsess over timelines or charts. They didn’t build doctrines to argue about dates. Instead, they lived with urgency, believing that Christ’s return could happen at any moment. They kept their lamps burning, their hearts pure, and their hands busy with the work of the Kingdom.

“Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
— Matthew 24:44

They weren’t passive watchers—they were active laborers, motivated by the thought of being found faithful when the King returned.

Hope in His Coming Fueled Holiness

They believed that the return of Jesus should purify, not paralyze.

“Everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure.”
— 1 John 3:3

This is why they endured persecution with joy, forgave their enemies, and refused to compromise. They wanted to be found worthy of the Kingdom when the trumpet sounded.

Their Focus Was the Kingdom, Not the World’s End

While they acknowledged that judgment would come, their focus wasn’t on fear of destruction, but on hope of redemption. The return of Jesus meant:

• Justice for the oppressed
• Reward for the faithful
• Resurrection of the righteous
• Restoration of all things

They didn’t hide from the world—they witnessed to it. They didn’t panic—they preached. They didn’t cling to the temporary—they longed for the eternal.

What About Today?

Much of the modern Church has lost its sense of anticipation. We either become distracted by the world or consumed by speculation. But Kingdom citizens are called to live as if the King could return today—with clean hearts, faithful hands, and steadfast hope.

What We Can Learn

1. Christ’s return is certain—our readiness must be constant.
2. Hope in His coming should lead us to greater holiness.
3. The purpose of prophecy is preparation, not prediction.
4. The Kingdom is coming in fullness—live like a citizen now.

Sources:

• The Holy Bible — Acts 1:11; Matthew 24:44; 1 John 3:3; Titus 2:13; Revelation 22:12
• Epistle of Barnabas, ch. 4
• Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1
• Clement of Rome, 1 Clement 23–24