The first church we read about is in Acts 2. It was set up just after Pentecost, the time when the Holy Spirit came. The church written about in Acts 2 has become a model that many people think churches should follow. The Message version describes the church like this: ‘They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers. Everyone around was in awe – all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met. They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved’ (Acts 2:42-47 MSG). Wouldn’t it be great if our churches were like this? If we all were united, we shared what we had, we offered our gifts and skills, we met together regularly, encouraged each other, we overflowed with joy and were all committed to growing and serving? In Hebrews it says: ‘Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching’ (Hebrews 10:24-25 MSG). Are we ready to make this our way of life?
