Thursday, January 27, 2011
Issues of Life #8
Community by Andy Taylor
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 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 favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:42-47
This passage of Scripture gives us great insight into the culture of the first century church. The move of God began with a hundred and twenty faithful prayers in an upper room and quickly grew, in one instance, by three thousand and then a few days later by another five thousand! As the Scripture above clearly indicates, the believers were steadfast and focused on Jesus. They continued on in the move of God that began on the Day of Pentecost. They had ‘singleness’ and simplicity of heart. Their lifestyle was one that brought them genuine happiness (gladness) and true contentment.
The closeness of relationships that believers in the first church experienced has been virtually unparalleled in modern times. Our current society certainly has nothing that would compare to it. In fact our culture has moved rapidly away from deep, interpersonal relationships that should be the normal by-product of true church life. We now live in a nation where individualism is the norm. Americans, according to a poll conducted by noted pollster George Gallup Jr., are the loneliest people in the world. While there is ample opportunity and time for deep relationships, Americans have chosen to isolate themselves from their neighbors and, in many cases, even from their Christian brothers and sisters. There is a shift, however, back to a simpler, slower paced lifestyle. It is not widespread by any means but certain indicators are pointing to the idea that Americans are tiring of the emptiness that exists where deep relationships have been forsaken. The ‘first church’ experienced community! Common purpose, common possessions and the building and fostering of spiritual family made the ‘new’ church in Jerusalem a fascinating organism. They lived together, shared meals together and helped one another. They learned to love one another with unconditional love. There was great power manifested by God through His people, much of which can be attributed to the unity and fellowship that they shared with one another. They were in unity because they loved one another as family. It is doubtful that God would have chosen for us to ever move away from that depth of relationship with one another. When the 21st century church comes together today we come together as a group of individuals rather than as a family. There is a change in the wind, though! It is revolutionary! It’s called community! And only those in search of ‘true church life’ will find it!
Community by Andy Taylor
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 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 favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:42-47
This passage of Scripture gives us great insight into the culture of the first century church. The move of God began with a hundred and twenty faithful prayers in an upper room and quickly grew, in one instance, by three thousand and then a few days later by another five thousand! As the Scripture above clearly indicates, the believers were steadfast and focused on Jesus. They continued on in the move of God that began on the Day of Pentecost. They had ‘singleness’ and simplicity of heart. Their lifestyle was one that brought them genuine happiness (gladness) and true contentment.
The closeness of relationships that believers in the first church experienced has been virtually unparalleled in modern times. Our current society certainly has nothing that would compare to it. In fact our culture has moved rapidly away from deep, interpersonal relationships that should be the normal by-product of true church life. We now live in a nation where individualism is the norm. Americans, according to a poll conducted by noted pollster George Gallup Jr., are the loneliest people in the world. While there is ample opportunity and time for deep relationships, Americans have chosen to isolate themselves from their neighbors and, in many cases, even from their Christian brothers and sisters. There is a shift, however, back to a simpler, slower paced lifestyle. It is not widespread by any means but certain indicators are pointing to the idea that Americans are tiring of the emptiness that exists where deep relationships have been forsaken. The ‘first church’ experienced community! Common purpose, common possessions and the building and fostering of spiritual family made the ‘new’ church in Jerusalem a fascinating organism. They lived together, shared meals together and helped one another. They learned to love one another with unconditional love. There was great power manifested by God through His people, much of which can be attributed to the unity and fellowship that they shared with one another. They were in unity because they loved one another as family. It is doubtful that God would have chosen for us to ever move away from that depth of relationship with one another. When the 21st century church comes together today we come together as a group of individuals rather than as a family. There is a change in the wind, though! It is revolutionary! It’s called community! And only those in search of ‘true church life’ will find it!
Labels: Closeness, Common, Community, Sharing, Simplicity
posted by Todd # 9:10 PM 
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