The garment of righteousness

Throughout the period of Israel’s exile in Babylon, there were no priests. But on their return to Jerusalem, the temple worship was going to be revived and a priest would therefore be needed. And this priest was Yeshua (Greek: Jesus). However, he who was going to represent Israel before God was dressed in ‘filthy’ clothes. This symbolized sin and unworthiness. Satan was there to accuse him, and his accusation was true! Satan is the ‘accuser of the brethren’ and he seizes every opportunity to show us to be filthy and unfit to be vessels in God’s hands.

The features of a living church

What we should know firstly about a living church is that the main business of the life and activities of the church at Jerusalem during the days of the Apostles is that there is the perseverance in the Apostolic Teaching. The Apostles were called upon not only to witness to the world but also to teach the Christian family.  Secondly, there is fellowship and this indicates an open hearted sharing in which each believer gave to others what he had himself received, whether spiritual or material blessings. Thirdly, there is the breaking of bread. In this context, an equivalent to the Lord’s Supper (taken as part of a common meal, and prayer. The emphasis may be on collective prayer.