"Real Church or Religious Club"
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper ), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47 NLT)
When we talk about church we often refer to the book of Acts. This is a great thing but it is also difficult at times. There is no better model that I know of for the church but there is also no other model more elusive. Also, what these believers experienced & did during this time is unprecedented. Most of it is descriptive & not prescriptive. But we can take away so much for us as the church today.
When God comes in & moves among a family of believers amazing things result. These believers were studying the Word together, fellowshipping together, & sharing their possessions with each other. And this is real church. Namely, God's Spirit filling God's people for God's mission.
When God's presence is near & God's mission is the priority, things start to change. Stuff doesn't matter. Money doesn't matter. The Word matters. People matter. Loving each other & being together matters. This is real church.
But is this our normal church experience?
We can't agree on carpet color much less on what our mission really is!
What we need is a fresh touch from the Spirit of God. What we need is real community around the table of God. What we need is to know the Word of God. What we need is to partner together to do the mission of God.
This is real church.
Everything other than this is a club.
What we see in Acts is church.
Which one are we?
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