I have been teaching a message series called, “Cultivating
Community.” It has to do with connecting with others. Cultivating community is
a process you actively pursue. This kind of fellowship and the development of
relationships has been something I have been passionate about for some time.
Every day I am learning how important it is to connect in a real way with
others. In the New Testament,
the Greek word for community is koinonia. The apostle Paul used the word koinonia
thirteen times in his epistles.
The birth of the church was at Pentecost over 2,000 years ago. These new believers continued to use the temple for their place of assembly and ministry, but they also met in various homes. The 3,000 new converts needed instruction in the Word and fellowship with God's people if they were to grow and become effective witnesses. The book of Acts describes that they did just that.
The birth of the church was at Pentecost over 2,000 years ago. These new believers continued to use the temple for their place of assembly and ministry, but they also met in various homes. The 3,000 new converts needed instruction in the Word and fellowship with God's people if they were to grow and become effective witnesses. The book of Acts describes that they did just that.
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.
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.
Acts 2:41-47 (NKJV).
The early believers were a people who
were together and who shared in ministry. They were not content to meet once a
week for "services as usual." They met daily (Acts 2:46), cared daily (Acts 6:1),
won souls daily (Acts 2:47), searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11), and increased in number daily (Acts 16:5). Their Christian faith was a day-to-day reality,
not a once-a-week routine. Why? Because the risen Christ was a living reality
to them, and His resurrection power was at work in their lives through the
Spirit.
