Chapter one

The early church versus the modern church

Before I dive into the Holy Scriptures, let me share some dreams and visions I had about some churches. These dreams and visions will draw your attention more to the church. I am sharing these dreams and visions to encourage you. The word of God is the most important asset.

The first encounter

In this dream, I saw myself in a church service with the brethren. It was a praise session. While the praises were taking place, we were all seated with no movement. In the dream, I wanted to clap my hands and glorify God as the singers were leading the congregation. However, I felt the church leaders had restricted everybody in the church from clapping their hands or dancing to glorify God while the singers led the congregation. I felt in the dream that the leadership in the church abused us (the members) in the church. When I woke up from bed, I felt that the church leadership had a problem with the management and organization.

The second encounter

In this encounter, I saw myself observing a church activity. In the dream, I saw numerous church members fully concentrated on carnal things such as food, wine, and things that would satisfy the flesh. They did not care about their spiritual condition. However, they were happily enjoying the food and drinks without praying or checking the source of the package given to them. Then I heard a loud voice say to me, don’t join them because it’s a dead congregation! It was like a command from the Lord.

The third encounter

I have changed the names of the people and the church name in this vision for my own private reasons.

I was fasting, praying, and waiting on the Lord on February 18, 2022, and decided to rest because I was feeling sleepy. When I lay down to rest, I had a vision in my dream. I saw Bishop Joseph of Kwame Church in a large auditorium with Bishop Samuel (the Head Bishop) and some gospel ministers.

I also saw Bishop Michael; his right leg was robotic. In the dream, it looked like they had replaced his right leg with a robot leg. In the vision, the church was full of people! The church auditorium had a large platform where a gospel minister could preach the Word of God to reach thousands of people.

I saw Bishop Joseph in his suit and trousers. He was walking happily to meet Bishop Samuel in the church. Bishop Joseph wore the same stylish glasses Bishop Samuel wore. In the vision, I saw that Bishop Joseph had the exact personality of Bishop Samuel. In the vision, I saw joy all over Bishop Joseph and Bishop Samuel as they climbed up the church platform (the altar). The platform was a little higher than the main church floor.

On the church platform, I saw an American man. Based on his age, he was between 60 and 70 years old. The American minister stood behind the pulpit while Bishop Joseph stood in front of him on the church platform.

It looked like the American minister was about to ordain Bishop Joseph on the platform. As Bishop Joseph stood before the American minister, I saw Bishop Samuel and two African bishops kneeling a few distances away from where Bishop Joseph and the American minister stood.

I saw Bishop Samuel happily capturing the ordination of Bishop Joseph with his phone. I saw the American minister use a book on the pulpit in the vision. The American minister pronounced some words, and Bishop Joseph repeated his words. All these activities were taking place in the church. Yet, the people within the building were entirely concentrated on the music directed by the media team.

Then I saw something strange on the church platform (behind the altar). I saw numerous ladies dancing to a particular musical beat in the church at the back of the pulpit where the American minister stood.

Most of the ladies were dressed like those on the beach, and they looked like Americans! Some of the ladies wore only panties and bras, and they were dancing joyfully and seductively at the back of the pulpit!

Observing their number, they were about 10,000. The platform was large enough to contain these strange ladies (I believe they were from the water realm). I observed in the vision that the people in the church could not see the lustful ladies dancing on the platform.

I could also discern in the vision that the bishops could not see the lustful ladies dancing on the church platform! After the American minister finished declaring his words, he demanded that a garment be put on Bishop Joseph.

There was a container on the church platform that contained the garment, but the American minister refused that garment. Then I saw Bishop Samuel step down the platform to search for a new garment.

I could also see that the American minister was getting bored because Bishop Samuel was taking a long time. He wanted to put a new garment on Bishop Joseph as he stood behind the pulpit. Then I saw Bishop Samuel bring a long white garment and Ghanaian Kente linen to the American gospel so he could put it on Bishop Joseph.

In the vision, I saw the numerous lustful ladies leave the church platform as the program was getting to an end. I observed that the people within the church and the bishops did not see the activities of the strange ladies.

The numerous people in the church (large auditorium) were happily enjoying the music. However, they were blind to the activities on the platform. After the dream (vision), I prayed and checked the time, and it was around 11:45 in the late morning, which means I had the dream (vision) around 11:30 am.

In summary, I humbly interpret this vision as spiritual blindness and contamination within the Church. We have forgotten that Christ Jesus died and rose to reconcile us to the Heavenly Father so that we can have the fruitful fellowship Adam and Eve lost. When we ignore Christ Jesus, His Word, and the leadership of the Holy Spirit and solely depend on worldly systems, it paves the way for the enemy to infiltrate the church.

The early church

Let me dive into the Holy Scriptures for a more profound revelation. Studying the book of Acts, chapters two through four, I realized that the early Apostles and Christian believers did something unique that transformed the church's growth. Let’s read some parts of Acts chapter two. I assume you have read the book of Acts in the Holy Scriptures.

…they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 2:42,44-47

From these scriptures, we see that the disciples of Christ Jesus shared one doctrine and fellowship, breaking bread together and having all things in common. Those who were wealthy sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with everyone in the congregation.

They ate with gladness and singleness of heart. There was unity, and any conflicts were minor and quickly resolved by the leaders (See Acts 1:14, Acts 2:1, Acts 4:32, Acts 5:12). The early believers sincerely praised God, even with little, and as a result, they found favor with both God and people. The Holy Spirit increased the church because of their genuine love. Now, let’s read from Acts chapter four for a deeper understanding.

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

Acts 4:31-32

We also see that the Christians were prayerful, so much so that the place where they gathered shook. I’ve even heard of churches in Ghana experiencing this kind of power during prayer. The Holy Scriptures also show that the Christians were filled with the Holy Spirit, evidenced by their bold preaching and teaching of God’s word.

Acts 4:32 shows that the believers were of one heart and soul. Whatever a member owned was available to the whole church. To put it in today’s terms, if one Christian had a car, others could use it. If one had a television, others could enjoy it as well. Of course, they didn’t have cars or televisions back then, but I use these examples to help you understand. The first-century believers were not selfish. They willingly shared what they had.

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Acts 4:34-37

One remarkable feature was that nobody in the early church lacked anything. You wouldn’t find a Christian among them without food or water. (See Acts 2:44-45). The Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers also had their needs met, as the church provided resources for its leaders (See Philippians 4:15-16, 2 Corinthians 11:9). Because of this support, leaders gave their very best. Early disciples like Polycarp, Irenaeus, Ignatius of Antioch, and Justin Martyr were willing to die for the church out of their love for Christ Jesus.

The early church cared deeply for its leaders. In contrast, today’s church often struggles with selfishness and greed. Many pastors and missionaries struggle to meet their basic needs. I know this struggle firsthand. I have traveled to distant places to preach and, as an evangelist, often had to provide for myself. Many evangelists and missionaries give up because they receive little or no support (Fellow evangelist, do not give up because God is faithful. If He has called and sent you, He will provide. Believe God, not the people).

The sad truth is that you have to cover your own expenses, including transport and rent. Even if you belong to a church, it’s rare to receive support because many in the congregation do not give financially out of their heart. Few people give! This lack of support pushes some pastors toward questionable fundraising methods. While I don’t condone such behavior, I know the pressure many Christians feel to give unless the Holy Spirit moves their hearts.

The early church supported one another so that no one was in need. Historical accounts show that the church engaged in communal projects and extended generosity to people both inside and outside its fellowship. Their selflessness and generosity attracted people, and communities joined and supported the church because of its love in action.

The early church met in homes and stood united in doctrine. Most fasted and prayed together every Wednesday and Friday. Their service was motivated by love, not salary, because the church took care of its own.

Everyone could serve willingly. Today, many in the church expect to be paid before serving. In the early church, there was no “evangelism department.” Every church member was involved in soul-winning, regardless of status. Their love for Christ was deep, moving them out of comfort and into mission for God’s Kingdom.

The early church cared for orphans, widows, and anyone in need because the wealthy wholeheartedly supported every project. Today, many churches have lost this Spirit. Everyone looks out for themselves. The wealthy often ignore the needy, leaving church leaders to struggle. As a result, the church continues to fall.

Today’s churches prioritize denominational loyalty and often fight among themselves. God has called us to live as a family, just as the early church did. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.

One thing I have recognized is that our worship sometimes resembles worldly entertainment more than true devotion. Too often, we chase social respectability instead of supernatural impact. We must return to our roots. We must revive the compassion our spiritual fathers had for lost souls. It’s time to wake up because darkness is spreading, and the church must shine its light (See Matthew 5:14-16).