Have you ever wondered what the early church looked like? I know we’re far removed in a variety of ways—culturally, geographically, economically, technologically, not to mention the span of time—but across two millennia of history, the church has always been about living as a community of faith. From this perspective, not much has changed. Or, at least, not much should have changed.
So, in case you’re wondering, here’s a glimpse into those early days:
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… All the believers were together and had everything in common. They [gave] to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together... They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God...” (Acts 2:42-47).
Notice four commitments the early church held to: (1) worship, (2) God’s Word, (3) spending time together, and (4) prayer. We can say a lot of things about living as a community of faith, but these are the aspects of church life that have remained constant through the centuries. It’s what we do on Sundays when we gather. But did you notice how the early church did life together not just on Sundays? That’s right! They knew that living as a community of faith was more than just a Sunday thing.
Here are two questions worth considering. First, how can you experience community—spending time together, eating together, praying together, etc.—more than just on Sundays? And what steps can you take this week toward experiencing that kind of community? Trust me, those steps are worth taking!