“The believers were together in the Temple. They praised God and were liked by all people, having favor. Every day the Lord added those who were being saved, such as should be saved to the church, to the group of believers,” Acts 2:46-47.
This text describes what a true Christian community in Jerusalem was and is as a new model of deep unity. As believers we must share in this joyful life in Christ as worshippers in one love, and that is the love of Christ. We are one in the Lord as daily believers in the Temple, in our homes, on the job, and in the community. The body of Christ grew in favor with each other for results in our conversions of the word of God. This is a spirit-empowerment of Christ and a loving community. We have all things in common in Christ and each other. This was not a legalistic system forced on the people. This was a daily fellowship and worship—not just in the Temple, but in private house-to-house meetings to grow in the word and in the love of God. The Christian’s there were:
1) Breaking of bread together
2) Having devotion to fellowship
3) Teaching
4) Praying
This was the joyful lifestyle and public life with the respect of all things in Christ. A divine growth from God for the church and the people. The Lord, added daily to their number those being saved, showing that inward strength and outward witness, led to expand the body of Christ.
The church operated under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The focus was on relationship, care and sharing in this new life as differences between this description for all to live by. We will live this life out, signifying this new life.
We must have a zeal for God and His word. Living in brotherly love that is contagious, healthy, and progressive as the church grows in God and does His will. We must be attractive to others so as to have them to come to Christ and take on new life.
“Brothers and Sisters, if someone in your group does something wrong [is overtaken in a fault], you who are spiritual should go to that person and gently help make that person right again [restore one in the spirit of meekness]. But be careful [consider yourself], because you might be tempted to sin, too,” Galatians 6:1.
No believer should ever think that he or she doesn’t need everyone to help them in life’s relationship with God. No believe is totally independent. We all need help from someone. We all need someone praying for us and encouraging us—someone who will keep us grounded in the word of God. As the born-again, we influence others to grow by being an example in all that we say and do. Remember, we are a Christian community.
