A New Community

Community, Marriam-Webster definds it as:

1. a unified body of individuals: such as

a:the people with common interests living in a particular area; broadly :the area itself

b:an interacting population of various kinds of individuals (such as species) in a common location

c:a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society

• a community of retired persons
  

• a monastic community
  

d:a group linked by a common policy

e :a body of persons or nations having a common history or common social, economic, and political interests

• the international community
  

2. a :joint ownership or participation

• community of goods
  

b :common character :likeness

• community of interests
  

c :social activity :fellowship

So what does the Bible say about community

Acts 2:41-47

41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 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.

At the height of the Cold War, Billy Graham visited Russia to meet with their political and religious leaders. Many conservatives in the US criticized him for not taking a more prophetic role. One accused him of setting the church back 50 years. Graham responded, "I am deeply ashamed. I have been trying very hard to set the church back 2,000 years" (Philip Yancey, What's So Amazing About Grace?, 264).

The growth of the early church was awesome, but we must not glamorize the early church. They faced and dealt with many problems! Being a Christian does not mean nostalgically looking back to a glory day. We should, however, take frequent glances back at how the early church related to God, one other, and the world. We find a beautiful picture of how the church, with all its imperfections, can be a community like no other. Let's consider three postures of the early church: inward, upward, and outward.

I: The church had a healthy inward posture (vs. 42, 44-46)

Upon receiving baptism, these 3,000 new believers immediately began devoting themselves to one another. The gospel radically transformed how they viewed their possessions, their time, even their identity. They were new people (v.41), with a new devotion (v.42), and a new community (v.44). Their compassion, humility, joy, mercy, and devotion could only be attributed to the power of the Holy Spirit working through the message of the resurrected Savior. 

This picture of unity and compassion flies in the face of the radical individualism that often permeates the church today. Many believers make a sharp distinction between their relationship with God and with the church. This passage does not give us that luxury. When God saves us, personal devotion to His community is not an option. Christians must have a healthy inward posture. Sanctification is a community project! God intended His people to look to one another for encouragement in the gospel (Col. 3:16-18), exhortation to endure (Heb. 3:12-13), and selflessly bearing the burdens others face (Gal. 6:2). We must constantly resist the "me" mentality in the body of Christ.

Application: What is your attitude toward the church? Are church attendance, financial giving, Sunday School, and other kinds of involvement important to you? How can you be a blessing to your brothers and sister in Christ? Is your church family a priority in your prayers and time?

The church had a healthy inward posture and it had a healthy upward posture.

II. The church had a healthy upward posture (vs. 42-43, 46-47)

This new community experienced God deeply. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching (v.42). This no doubt included teaching on how Christ Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament (Luke 24:27), and thus the story of Israel, through His life, death, and resurrection. They also experienced awe and wonder at God's work in the world (v.43), which led to frequent worship and celebration in the temple (vs. 46-47). Finally, we learn from the rest of Acts how much the church prayed, worshipped, and celebrated God's power and presence in their midst.

Churches should protect their posture toward God. A church may move through an entire year of sermons, services, and Bible studies and never really experience God. Peter says, "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk" (1 Pet. 2:2). Many interpret Peter as saying something like "Long for the Word of God the way an infant longs for milk." Sermons on this text exhort Christians to increase their efforts in their devotions and Bible study time. But Peter says to long for Christ Jesus, not simply the Bible. He is not saying, "Get in the Word." He is saying, "Crave Christ Jesus the way an infant craves and needs milk!" The very next verse says, "if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good" (v.3). They have tasted Christ Jesus, and Peter exhorts them to keep on tasting Him. You cannot exhaust God. Therefore, You must pursue Him with all your might.

Application: What currently hinders your pursuit of God? In what ways can our church better move toward God? How might we protect our zeal for Him?

The early church had a healthy inward, upward posture and finally the church had a healthy outward posture.

III. The church had a healthy outward posture (v. 47)

This new community not only moved toward God and each other well, they also moved toward the world. This text does not explicitly mention evangelism. However, it comes on the heels of Peter's sermon at Pentecost, and precedes the story of the church's expansion throughout Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (1:8). Furthermore, verse 47 says they had favor with everyone and that God added to their number daily.

God saves people to send them out and engage non-Christians with the gospel. There are many ways to engage non-Christians with the gospel. You should pray daily for the opportunity to share the gospel. Whatever you do, you must strive to help others know Christ Jesus as Savior just as you do.

Application: Do you have a burden for non-Christians? Who in your life does not believe the gospel? What will you do to share it with them?

Conclusion:

The early church, though flawed, is a wonderful model for us. The way it emulated these postures is a challenge for all churches and Christians today. You start by examining these areas, asking hard questions, and resting in the gospel to find strength and motivation to fulfill them. This is why Christ Jesus gave Himself up, to create a community like nothing the world has ever seen. May we be that community. Amen and Amen!