SHARE WITH THE FAMILY OF GOD They were continually and faithfully devoting themselves to the instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to eating meals together and to prayers. A sense of awe was felt by everyone, and many wonders and signs (attesting miracles) were taking place through the apostles.
And all those who had believed [in Jesus as Savior] were together and had all things in common [considering their possessions to belong to the group as a whole]. And they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing the proceeds with all [the other believers], as anyone had need. Day after day they met in the temple [area] continuing with one mind, and breaking bread in various private homes. They were eating their meals together with joy and generous hearts, praising God continually, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47 Amplified Bible)
Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one [of them] claimed that anything belonging to him was [exclusively] his own, but everything was common property and for the use of all. And with great ability and power the apostles were continuously testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace [God’s remarkable lovingkindness and favor and goodwill] rested richly upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, because those who were owners of land or houses were selling them, and bringing the proceeds of the sales and placing the money down at the apostles’ feet. Then it was distributed to each as anyone had need. Now Joseph, a Levite and native of Cyprus, who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), sold a field belonging to him and brought the money and set it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:32-37 Amplified Bible)
Why can’t we be like the Church in the Book of Acts? This has been on my mind for some time, but I never really studied these verses closely until now. It seemed like something that should just happen, without any effort on my part, but now I see that is not the case. As I was reading the scriptures above, a few things stood out to me. In Acts, chapter 2, there are several practices that marked the early believers: continuous and faithful devotion to the teachings they received, fellowship with each other, eating meals together and prayer. In short, they were doing life together. One person couldn’t be discouraged or in need without everyone else becoming aware of it. As they continued in this way, they were knit so closely together that barriers like “It’s mine” or “Get your own”, were broken down. If someone was in need, family members willingly shared, or sold their own possessions to meet the need. This was their lifestyle and God blessed it. They had favor with all the people. The love that they showed to each other was a witness to unbelievers. (John 13:34-35).
We need to begin to emulate the believers in Acts. If we apply this approach to our lives today, God, who never changes, will be glorified and pleased with our obedience. We must be studying the Word and reviewing the messages that our Pastors prepare for us. We honor the gift that God has given us when we do this. Fellowship cannot be taken lightly. It is how relationship is developed. You can only be so close to someone when you spend only a few hours together on Sunday morning. Sharing meals and praying with each other are vital to growth as a family. How close would you be to your natural family if you never spent any time together and ate every meal separately? If we are a family, we need to BE a family.
Once we embrace the way God designed for us to function, our hearts knit together and we can feel safe sharing needs and resources with each other. We will show the Love of God to each other and it will be a witness to the world. Our local body will be blessed and increase. Our impact on the world will be greater and we will have favor with all the people. As Sadell reminded us on Day One, It All Belongs to God; we are merely stewards while we are on this earth.
Wanda Baker
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