ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 10, 2022
There is a real simplicity to the ways of the early church. They took care of physical needs, fellowshipped together, shared a common meal, worshiped and had genuine concern for everyone. In Acts 2:44-47 we find:
All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
It’s interesting how there was no elaborate evangelism program. They did not spend tons of money on marketing. This small and strange religious sect that followed the ways of a crucified criminal simply did as their teacher had done, and against all odds, other people wanted to join their community. I wonder if we complicate things, and in the process, dilute the beautiful and impactful nature of love.
By your grace, O God, may our love be genuine, our generosity extravagant, and our meals inclusive. Amen.
