We’re spending time right now in a specific passage in the book Acts (2:42-47) and we’re looking at the elements or threads that were a part of the first community of Jesus followers following the Resurrection. These threads were interwoven into an amazing tapestry that has continued to influence and “cover” the church ever since. The world has changed drastically since that first group of Jesus followers started preaching a new kind of Kingdom. The way of life has changed and continues to change at a breakneck pace. But, as we return to this first community, I think we can latch onto pieces that were so radical that it shook the foundations of the known world. Is it possible that these same earth shattering practices, though maybe approached a little differently, couldn’t once again rewrite a story?
This week we’ll be looking at the character of this community. What was so amazing about this group that thousands were “being added daily”? I’d really challenge us all to go back to that Acts 2:42-47 passage over the next couple days and look for what made them different. The early church were focused but it didn’t take long for them to get bogged down in the very things that Jesus came to rescue the world from. In fact, one of the early church-wide pastors spends considerable time talking to the churches about the behaviors and character that are and that aren’t found in followers of Jesus. If you look at Galatians 5, you’ll find Paul early in his ministry telling a group of non-Jewish Christian converts that this “jesus thing” wasn’t just a meal and a bit of freedom – it was change and a freedom that was WAY different than their perceptions. Later, Paul writes to the very screwed up church at Corinth and defines the KEY principle that followers of Jesus were known for. We often read the love chapter at weddings, but that whole love thing is a definition for a follower of Jesus.
Try to make time the next few days with these 3 passages and come ready to share the character you see in the early church. Also, one of our friends shared with me the story of the Rabbi’s Gift.
Click here and read it over, it’s really good!
Next week, we’ll return to the discussion of the rituals of the early church and we’ll talk about the Baptism rite. I can’t wait to see you all this week at Antioch – 7PM in the Christ Church Chapel – don’t forget: Invite a friend!
grace & peace
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I look forward to this Sunday and I really liked the Rabbi's gift!