Acts 2:42-47

This is what community looks like—the way God intended it. How few of us truly experience this. How do we grow a church? The answer is right here. We are to devote ourselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the sharing of meals, to communion, and to prayer.

The early believers did this daily. We have trouble doing this even once a week! The generosity and goodwill of the people drew many into the Kingdom, and the Lord added to their fellowship daily.

I like the use of the word fellowship because this isn’t just about attending a church service, per se, but rather about becoming involved in a community of believers with a common vision and purpose—to know Him and to make Him known.

It really is all about relationship. God wants a relationship with us—not just attendance birthed out of duty or guilt. When you have experienced the presence of God, there truly is no other place you would rather be than with Him. He is that good! As we draw closer to Him, we begin to care for those He cares about, loving those around us.

Unfortunately, so many things vie for our time and attention. In our entertainment-driven society, I fear many are replacing sweet fellowship with entertainment-driven gatherings. There is a simplicity in worship that we are missing. If we want to see God move, we must make room for Him in our gatherings, with the focus solely on Him and the things He cares about. I personally don’t think He is impressed with our “shows.”

As Jesus addressed the Pharisees of His day, they were all about show and performance at the expense of true community and care. Instead of being inviting, they were exclusive and cliquish, missing the whole point of what they had been entrusted with.

The Gospel is for all! When we begin loving our communities enough to truly care for them, that is when we will experience what the early church did—along with signs and wonders—enjoying the goodwill of both God and people.

Food for thought…