Jim Stephens' Gracenotes from Resource Ministries International

The Life Together

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. (Acts 2:42-45 NLT)

I often think about what it must have really looked like—this brand new, primitive life of faith in community. There was no real precedent for this new thing that came to be called “The Church.” They lived in Jerusalem, the capital of Judaism, in the shadow of Herod’s Temple. It was a very religious culture, but they were called out and called together into a primitive and counter-cultural life of faith and fellowship. Here are some more words that describe, not prescribe, their life in these first few months of “Church:”

46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 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 2:46-47 NLT)

How do we live the life they lived? Should we? Our lives are made enormously more complex by technology, transportation, communication, and economy. Can we attempt to build a life as simple as: 1) the teaching, 2) the fellowship, 3) sharing meals, 4) prayers?”

For centuries discussions have taken place, theories have been expounded, and books have been written on what the life of an individual Christ-follower and the lives of a group of Christ-followers in community (The Church) should be. Can it ever really be as simple as: 1) the teaching, 2) the fellowship, 3) sharing meals, 4) prayers? Should it be that simple?

Will you join me in seeking, contending for, and participating in The Life Together?

Prayer:

Father, I’m philosophizing again this morning. Once again trying to imagine what The Life Together should be like at its purest. I love the church. I love my life. But there’s something in me that still hungers and thirsts for something more. Lead me to lead those I influence to keep searching for The Life Together. Amen.