Dec 16, 2009 - Category: General

Community Building

I attended a men’s meeting last night. We prayed and then read Acts chapter 2. As we discussed what we had just read, the focus of our discussion turned to the community life of the early believers in Jerusalem.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:42-47 NIV).

The question was posited as to whether or not our church, the church in America, could achieve the kind of community we see in Acts 2. We did not come to a definite conclusion but it seemed that most agreed that it would be very difficult. We are more isolated, more independent, more comfortable than they were.

But I believe there is value in not only hoping for, but even working for a more intimate community life in our church. While the community may not exactly replicate Acts 2, the actions of caring and sharing that flow from a Spirit-changed life are worth pursuing. I think we all desire a place where we are loved, accepted and valued--a place where we can be loved for who we are to the point where others are willing to give up what they have for us.

Of course for this kind of community to exist, each of us must be willing to give up what we have for someone else. I must not only be a receiver but also a giver. To mandate this in the community misses the point. And if it cannot be mandated, then how can it happen? This kind of attitude comes from the Holy Spirit.

It happened spontaneously on the days following Pentecost. The people were devoted and awe-filled. These same qualities are available to us today. A clear recognition of what God has done for me fills me with awe and leads me to devote myself fully to God. The Holy Spirit shows us that all we have is a gift from God. In fact all we have belongs to God and we are managers of it.

When I see that my things are really God’s, I am free to use them as God directs. He will tell me if I will listen. He will tell you as you listen too. Hearing and obeying is a good place to start to build the kind of community of faith we read of in Acts 2. As you think about these things, ask God how you can be a builder of the caring and sharing community of church.