Simply Christian - Community

One important feature of the first century Christians, is their sense of community. They cried together. They laughed together. They prayed and sang together. They ate together (cf. Acts 2:46). They probably kept each others' children and watched each others' homes when one was out of town. They were truly the model community. They were simply Christian in their relationship with each other.

Shaped by the cross

This closeness was made possible only through the shed blood of Jesus. Only because of Christ, Christians are brought near to the blood, made one, reconciled, and have access in one Spirit (cf. Ephesians 2:11-22). What a bond! At Christ's death, those who were once not a people have become a people.

Because the cross is the center of the church's life together, it makes forgiving others and looking over each others' faults more easy. Also, it helps us to encourage others to come out of sin. One song puts it this way, "Finding our forgiveness here, we in turn forgive all wrongs."

Sharing in all things

This quality was exemplified by the early disciples. Luke wrote that, "they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need" (Acts 2:45). Not only did they share in their physical possessions, but they shared spiritually. Paul told one congregation to,

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited" (Romans 12:12-16).

What a challenge! Contributing to the saints. Being flexible to the needs of others. Living in harmony. Burying our proud under a mound of humility in regards to one another. That is why the early Christians were so close. They had lots of common experiences. They did not need a bulletin to alert each other of sickness in the church. They knew each other!

Showing honor and hospitality

Paul also said this: "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor" (Romans 12:10). That takes an attitude of humility and service. But isn't that the example that the Savior left for us? He seemed more comfortable with a towel and basin than with a scepter and crown. He told His apostles, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:25-26). He knew how much of a major role service and showing honor would play in His kingdom of saved people.

Another unique feature of the New Testament church was their hospitality. The Book of Acts is saturated with references to Christians meeting in each others' homes for meals, worship, encouragement, and learning. The home was the center of church life for the first two centuries of the Christian era. Church buildings were not constructed until the "conversion" of Constantine to "Christianity". This is when the church started being identified with a building rather than the people. They knew nothing of the spectator-like auditoriums that we meet in today.

The challenge set before us

They were in each others' homes and involved in each others' lives. They knew that they had better get used to one another because they would be spending eternity together. They recognized their common love for each other, their common gift to the Savior, and their common bond that held them to the Lord. They also had a common strength when they were weary, common hope for the future, and a common joy in the truth of God's word.

May we copy their sense of community and togetherness!