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
Here it is, Sunday again. Time to take another look at how we do church.
The years following Jesus' death and resurrection were interesting times. The fifth book of the New Testament begins with Jesus telling his disciples to lay low until the Holy Spirit comes upon them. We see the followers of Jesus doing just that-- pretty much frozen with fear-- and right on cue, the Holy Spirit arrives, descends upon them, just as Jesus promised.
It takes everyone aback. People who don't understand think the disciples are drunk when they begin speaking other languages!
All this is, I suppose, interesting enough, especially if one has never seen anything like this before. But for me, the thing that always catches my attention is what happens in the Church in the weeks and months that follow that first day.
People come in droves, seeking baptism. Whole households-- men, women and children, masters and slaves are coming to believe in the promises of Jesus and receiving grace.
And then they live together in community. Everyone has enough. If anyone is in need, another steps up to provide what is needed. It's not a "police state" where the disciples force others to share; no, people just do it. They are so filled with the peace and love of the Lord, they just do it. Just Because.
Every now and then, someone will ask, "I wonder if that could ever work-- today?"
Good question. Could it work? Why not?
What is it about our society today that makes us so certain this "Acts church" could never happen today?
Look around you.
What do you have that you don't really need? How much extra food do you keep stored in your pantry? Clothing in your closet you haven't worn in a couple years?
What's keeping you from sharing? Seriously.
Even if we aren't ready to sell our homes and move into a commune, there are little everyday things we can do that make a big difference in the lives of those who are struggling right now.
So there is my challenge to you.
We are the Church. Together we can change the world, one person at a time.
Lord, help us to see your children through your eyes. Help us live our lives trusting in you, trusting one another and imagining a world where the Christ truly reigns in our hearts and lives. Amen.
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