The Life Together

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: Acts 2

41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church—about three thousand in all. 42 They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and in prayer. (Acts 2:41-42 NLT)

I often think about what it really looked like – this brand new, primitive life of faith in community. There was no real precedent for this new thing that came to be called “The Church.” They lived in Jerusalem, the capital of Judaism, in the shadow of Herod’s Temple. It was a very religious culture, but they were called out and called together into a primitive and counter-cultural life of faith and fellowship. They were a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual gathering of converts from Judaism to Jesus.

Here are more words that describe, not prescribe, their life in these first few months of “Church:”46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46-47 NLT)

Can we live the life they lived?  Should we try? Our lives are made much more complex by society, technology, transportation, communication, and economy. Should we attempt to build a life as simple as: They devoted themselves to 1) the teaching, 2) the life together, 3) sharing the common meal, 4) and the passionate prayers?

For centuries the discussions have taken place, theories have been expounded, and books have been written on what the life of a Christ-follower and a group of Christ-followers (The Church) should look like. Can it ever really be as simple as 1) the teaching, 2) the life together, 3) sharing the common meal, 4) the passionate prayers?  Should it be?

Will you join me in contending for and participating in The Life Together?

Prayer:

Father, I’m philosophizing again this morning. Once again I’m trying to imagine what The Life Together should be like at its purest. I love the church. I love my life. But there’s something in me that still hungers and thirsts for something more. Lead me to lead those I influence to keep searching for The Life Together. Amen.