42And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (ESV)

David Pawson said that, in the church, we have ‘too many meetings and not enough meeting.’ I think he had a point.

John Stott referred to this passage as ‘a beautiful little cameo of the Spirit-filled church.’ It strikes me that there was a simplicity about the early church life. It was very much a ”together” life. They were a community, sharing life, meeting daily, eating together (including ‘the Lord’s Supper), rooted in Bible Study and prayer. They must have met in smaller groupings, in homes, and in larger gatherings at the temple. But it was oh so simple. God was with them, among them, upon them; and look at what He did with and through them.

These verses should challenge our individualism and isolationism, at a time when many people seem to want to stay on the fringes of church life, attend as little as possible, and even then only when it doesn’t interfere with other plans and priorities.

Years ago, a new convert who was starting to read the Bible, said to me, ‘Those early Christians lived in each other’s pockets.’ He wasn’t wrong. He was, I believe, fundamentally a lonely guy, and he saw in the New Testament the kind of community he hungered for. He also saw a disconnect between what he was reading in God’s Word and his local church. May God have mercy on us, and by His Spirit shape us into the church(es) He wants us to be. May it not have to take persecution to make us value belonging.

PRAYER: Lord, please forgive us for all the ways we fall short of your blueprint for your church. In your grace and mercy, make us all you want us to be.