It seems to me that whenever I'm part of a study, the scripture we are dealing with suddenly becomes relevant to everything around me. Out of the blue I begin to see a connection from John's vision of Rome in the book of Revelation, to our own over-consumption and mistreatment of power here in the United States. Before Christmas, we read through some of Isaiah and the message of the season deepened into a much more mysterious, ultimate feeling of truth.
Recently my young adult group began a study of the book of Acts. From my readings, there seems to be a debate about whether Luke or John is the author of this book. Either way, Acts follows the Gospels not just in the Bible, but it is historically chronological as well. (Basically, Acts picks up where MML&J leave off.) This time, the stick-with me passage is this:
Recently my young adult group began a study of the book of Acts. From my readings, there seems to be a debate about whether Luke or John is the author of this book. Either way, Acts follows the Gospels not just in the Bible, but it is historically chronological as well. (Basically, Acts picks up where MML&J leave off.) This time, the stick-with me passage is this:
"All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals, and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.
"They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and sincere hearts—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved."
-Acts 2:42-47 (New Living Translation)
"They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and sincere hearts—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved."
-Acts 2:42-47 (New Living Translation)
In my bible translation (NIV) this section is also referred to by: "Fellowship of Believers." These few verses essentially describe a healthy church - what it takes to be one, what it will look like when you are one, and how a healthy church is sustainable. The question was put forward: Is it possible today to have community as described here in the first days of Christianity? What would this 'fellowship' really look like and do we see similar communities in our world?
I am often very cynical but have rare moments of idealism and optimism. In terms of my personality, I am definitely a glass-half-full kind of gal, but in matters of religion and faith ... well, just make sure whatever's in your glass is water not kool-aid.
Anyway, when I consider this passage, I am struck with rare optimism. Certainly there must have been a feeling of urgency within Peter and John, and in all the apostles, that they needed to communicate the message and truth they had witnessed and been part of. These men had lived with Christ, shared meals with him, listened daily to his words and teachings. They knew Jesus in the casually intimate way that friends have with one another, and they had seen him die for all to see--their teacher, friend and savior. And then they had seen him after death. When he should have been decomposing in a tomb, Jesus was instead seen alive by many people, including his grief-stricken friends and disciples.
In this passage of Acts, Peter has already given a great speech which has brought 3,000+ people into this fellowship. Maybe some would say this is the early church, although the 'early church' is not in my opinion related to the way our churches seem today. What is so important to me to read though, is the hope this passage gives to me as a leader in today's church.
I am often very cynical but have rare moments of idealism and optimism. In terms of my personality, I am definitely a glass-half-full kind of gal, but in matters of religion and faith ... well, just make sure whatever's in your glass is water not kool-aid.
Anyway, when I consider this passage, I am struck with rare optimism. Certainly there must have been a feeling of urgency within Peter and John, and in all the apostles, that they needed to communicate the message and truth they had witnessed and been part of. These men had lived with Christ, shared meals with him, listened daily to his words and teachings. They knew Jesus in the casually intimate way that friends have with one another, and they had seen him die for all to see--their teacher, friend and savior. And then they had seen him after death. When he should have been decomposing in a tomb, Jesus was instead seen alive by many people, including his grief-stricken friends and disciples.
In this passage of Acts, Peter has already given a great speech which has brought 3,000+ people into this fellowship. Maybe some would say this is the early church, although the 'early church' is not in my opinion related to the way our churches seem today. What is so important to me to read though, is the hope this passage gives to me as a leader in today's church.
"They worshiped together...met in homes...shared their meals with great joy and sincere hearts—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved." (paraphrase)
People saw joy in the celebration and praise of God--they were drawn into that joy because of the clearly positive effect it had on Christ-followers.
A friend told me of a devotion she had read on this same passage.
Put in my own words:
Think of confetti. It conjures images of joy, happiness, being with friends. Confetti is made of many different pieces, if seperated those pieces would be considered garbage or litter. But together, confetti exudes a joy that draws us together and invites others closer.
I think we could all use a little more confetti in our churches and in our lives.
A friend told me of a devotion she had read on this same passage.
Put in my own words:
Think of confetti. It conjures images of joy, happiness, being with friends. Confetti is made of many different pieces, if seperated those pieces would be considered garbage or litter. But together, confetti exudes a joy that draws us together and invites others closer.
I think we could all use a little more confetti in our churches and in our lives.
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