Community

Community

In the second chapter of the book of Acts, we get a picture of a vibrant community. This passage isn’t a precise blueprint for building community, it is more of an artists rendering of the structure. Every church doesn’t have to imitate all the details, but we should strive to reflect the principles we see here

Among the first Christians community began with corporate worship. We read in v42 that “they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching,” (the Word), “and the fellowship” (corporate gathering), “to the breaking of bread” (the Lord’s Supper), “and the prayers.” These things are the core elements of Christian worship.  

But their community didn’t stop at the doors to the church (or in this case the temple). We read in v46 that “day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.” The first Christians also met and ate together in their homes. 

But wait! There’s more! We also read in vv44-45 that “all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” This doesn’t mean that Christians can’t own property, or have to sell everything and give it to the church! (For evidence of that see here.) It does mean that we need to share and care for one another, not just spiritually, but physically as well. 

The result of this community was threefold; “awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles,” they enjoyed “favor with all the people,” and “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” While all of these things were acts of God’s grace to the early Christians, and therefore we cannot manufacture them, we can hope that God will do some of them among us as we reflect the community he himself enjoys within himself as three in one. 

So at Evident Grace Fellowship we meet weekly for corporate worship. We meet formally for meals together throughout the month, and informally as individuals. We also seek to share and care for each other both formally, through the official ministries of the church, and informally, through the love and generosity of individuals, as needs are made known.

As with everything else, we don’t do this perfectly. That’s why we are Evident Grace! But if you are looking for a community that lives and loves like this, why not join us and help us make God’s grace evident by being, and becoming, that community.