“I in them and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.” John 17:23″I in them and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.” John 17:23
While drinking my afternoon coffee today, I read an article on the early church that really struck a chord with me. I was reminded of the practices of the Acts 2 church:
“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
As I read this I began to wonder what my perception of church would be like if all I knew of it was what I read in the Scripture. If everything from my past and present frame-of-reference about church was erased what would I expect to see when I walked into a church today?
I can’t come up with any reason why God wouldn’t want the Church to resemble the church in Scripture and I have decided that I want to see this happen in my own life and community. I can’t control if others break bread together or sell their possessions and I certainly can’t make miracles happen BUT there are things I can do. I can open my home and cupboards freely. I can practice hospitality and pursue new friendships in my community. I can choose to live simply so I can give more. I can commit to pray…. pray fervently for those in my fellowship.
And so right now I lay all that I have at your feet. I surrender the keys to my cars, house, and bank account to you…what is mine is yours. If anything happens I want to care for your elderly parents and your children as though they were my own. If you need a place to rest or to be fed you are welcome in my home and at my table.
