Everything in our modern world is constantly changing. In the midst of all the constant changes is it really possible to find first century Christianity in the 21st century? Have man's needs really changed? While all the world progresses (?) some things fundamental to man's salvation have not changed and never will.
Man is the same. From the time of creation, the nature of man has not changed. Man has the same lusts of the flesh, lusts of the eyes, and prides of life common to all of every age (1 John 2:15-16; Eccl. 1:9). We continue to fall short of the glory of God through our disobedience to His will (Rom. 3:23-25).
Sin is the same. In the Garden of Eden sin brought destruction to the peace and harmony of man's relationship with the Lord. In the days of Noah, the thought of man's heart was only evil continually (Gen. 6:5). In the times of the New Testament, Paul wrote that the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). The devil is still the father of liars (John 8:44) and is still active (1 Pet. 5:8).
Christ is the same. Having paid the price for the sins of the world, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). He is the author and finisher of our salvation (Heb. 12:2). The gospel of Christ is the same, saving men through God's power the same today as it did in the first century (Rom. 1:16).
Truth is the same. God's standards of truth and righteousness have been established forever (Ps. 119:89), and are not subject to revision or replacement. The truth will set man free from sin, error, and doubt (John 8:32). The same truth that freed men in the first century will free men in the 21st century.
Indeed, some things are in a constant state of change; but there are also some things that never change! You can find first century Christianity in the 21st century. God's word is a seed (Luke 8:11). When a seed is sown, it will only grow that which it is "programmed" to grow. God's word begets Christians (1 Pet. 1:23) - only Christians. Your friends and neighbors at the Knollwood church of Christ are striving to follow the Bible as our only guide. In doing so, we believe we have found and truly enjoy first century Christianity in the 21st century. You are invited to investigate us and join us in this noble pursuit.
adapted from Knollwood Reminders, 3/24/85