“They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42
Never before in history have passwords become more important to everyday living than they are today. They are used for virtually everything that we do online. Passwords protect our identity on websites, email accounts, bank transactions, and purchasing goods. A password is necessary to access someone’s most personal and intimate information. You can learn a lot about people and really get to know them in a powerful way if you just have their password.
Acts 2 gives us a snapshot of how the early Church came together, and did life together, and how they willingly gave other people their passwords so that they could forge friendships and build relationships that would help them to get through life. Notice what they did according to Acts 2:42. They studied the Word together, shared meals together, and they talked to the Lord together. The early Church was committed to living their lives together. They were not just committed to Christ; they were committed to one another. They were not just committed to a personal relationship with Christ; they were committed to spiritual fellowship with each other.
The language used in this passage is strong. They didn’t just casually come together when they had time. They devoted themselves to fellowship. These Christians could not even conceive of not living life in community. To try and live the Christian life alone would never even enter into their minds.
We all need this type of fellowship – the kind that cannot take place in an auditorium or sanctuary. In a small group, you get to dig deeper into God’s Word. You get to talk about life and things that are important. You get to share hurts and heartaches. You get to love people and you get people to love you. This community is built around Jesus and the Bible and growing together in our faith.
Perhaps you are thinking, “I don’t need to be in a small group. I attend church services or watch online or on television every week.” When you think this way, what you are really saying is that you are better than Jesus, because He spent His entire three-year ministry in a community group. You are saying you are better than the disciples who gave three years of their lives being in a community group. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit has existed in eternity in a group.
I assure you, you will never be what you totally should be as a disciple of Christ if you are not devoted to fellowship with other believers. You will never enjoy the benefits of the Church, or be the encouragement you ought to be, without true Christian community. It’s the life we are meant to live.
Dear Lord, thank you that you created us for community. I pray that would you surround me with other believers so that we can encourage each other in our walk with you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Topics: Fellowship
