BELIEVE: week sixteen: Biblical Community

“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:44-47

The members of the early church did not devote themselves to evangelism—leading other folks to Christ. They devoted themselves first to each other and to God. They saw each other every day and often shared a meal together. When they gathered around the table, they ate with “glad and sincere hearts.” How did they do that? Between notes they chatted about the wonderful life they now had in Christ, and they praised God for it.

Once they finished their meal, they walked through the neighborhood streets and simply met the needs of the people around them from a heart of gratitude. Before people knew the doctrine that drove these believing neighbors, they experienced it. The result? People were added to the community of Christ every day. Evangelism resulted.

Happy and kind people are contagious. You may only be a great meal away from seeing another person come to Christ.

“I fellowship with christians to accomplish God’s purposes in my life, in the lives of others, and in the world.”

[Excerpt from Believe: 31-Day Devotional by Randy & Roxanne Frazee, pgs. 35-36.]