Regardless of how far we move into the future, I still believe that the greatest expression of church life is found in Acts 2:42-47. I'm often amazed at how far we have deviated from the New Testament church. The Body of Christ was never meant to be held hostage in a building but to be released within a community to do what Jesus did in the earth. When we read the book of Acts, it's easy to understand why the Lord continued to add to the church daily those who were being saved.
READ THE TEXT:
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
CONSIDER WITH ME:
The early believers were Committed to the Lordship of Christ and the Leadership of the Apostles.
They were Sensitive to the Power and Activity of God.
They were Generous in their Time and in their Giving.
They were Communal in their Fellowship with one another and in their Favor with all the people.
SOME PERSONAL THOUGHTS
The be honest with you, even in the best churches, we would be hard pressed to find this type of fellowship today. It seems to me that we have spent a considerable amount of time trying to redefine church into man's definition. I cannot tell you the times that I have heard church leaders refer to their particular denomination or church structure as a New Testament fellowship. But the fact of the matter is that what has been lost in the organization is a living breathing body of believers that could function anywhere at any time.
With that being said, I'm not saying that the organization is evil. I'm simply saying that we look VERY different than what we see in the book of Acts. This community was selfless in their love for God and one another. They found a way to live in unity and steadfastness. While they were not perfect, their witness was evident in the community. Their presence was seen, heard, and felt. I'm sure the demonstration of God's power was extremely helpful, but I also believe that the demonstration of love within their community was beneficial. Who wouldn't want to be part of a community that was demonstrating love, witnessing the power of God, and experiencing the life that God means for all of us to experience?
Sharing these thoughts with you is actually much more difficult than you may realize. I have devoted my ministry to the local church for the past 20 years. Has God blessed what has taken place within the walls of the church? Yes - but that is His nature. Has God used the organized church over the centuries to accomplish great things? Yes - but that is part of His nature as well. This isn't a question of whether or not God will use us in spite of our structure. It's a question of whether or not we can really call ourselves New Testament when we don't look the part. What I love about the early church is that structure wasn't that important because they didn't have a model. The types of ministry offered were never a factor because they had to discover what was needed. This mentality is not used today. Instead most church plants already have a structure in place and have already determined what ministries they will offer. In most cases it's not because they have determined a need but because they are actually trying to be competitive with other churches in the particular area.
I'm not saying that we have to go back in time and adopt every practice of the early church. The fact is that they made due with what they had. However, I do see a need for something more fluid, more loving, and more effective. Listen folks, God isn't blessing your church because of your denominational affiliation, your church government, or because of the ministries you are offering. God is blessing your church because He absolutely adores the Bride of Christ. He has plans for her. He has great intentions for her. And the more she is able to rise up above the mediocrity of Christianity and discover who she really is - then the more blessed she will become.
WHAT WE CAN RECAPTURE:
The Demonstrations of God's Power - the ministry of the Holy Spirit is still available to the church today.
The Expressions of God's Love - this was always the litmus test of the disciples (love for one another)
The Manifestations of God's Peace - through our unity and community
All of these things are possible today because God has not changed. God was never interested (I believe) in raising up buildings all over the landscape but raising up a community of believers that would become the sons and daughters of God in the earth.
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