The scripture we utilized for today’s worship, Acts 2:42-47 focuses on community. It clarifies key attributes of the disciples’ fellowship when they gathered. As the early followers of the Way responded to the Holy Spirit they encountered awe and wonder.
The first hallmark of a Christian community, devotion to apostolic teaching, highlights the importance of taking scriptures seriously. It is not just a matter of learning and teaching. Instead, it is also about devotion, immersion in, and living in and through the Word. It is like an old Jewish saying in which a disciple asked his teacher, “Rabbi, I have gone through all of the Torah. What more should I do?” The Rabbi said, “The question is not whether you have gone through all the Torah, the question is, has all of the Torah gone through you?” I encourage you, as we enter into worship, to let the scriptures enter you through our prayer movements.
The second characteristic is fellowship. The early church would spend “much time together” (v. 46). Key to this activity is hospitality which is an attitude, a practice, and a way of life. This culture of hospitality extends friendship to all, especially the stranger. New relationships develop—a reciprocal mutual sharing between member and guest. Both receive, both give, and both are transformed. Bonhoeffer called this reciprocal arrangement “open” and “mutual” hospitality which stimulated the health of community. He argued that listening to one another (we’ll had opportunity for this today through sharing of testimonies) is the primary practice of mutual hospitality.
The third practice of a Christian community according to this scripture is the breaking of bread. This activity was a profound communal expression of oneness, solidarity, and friendship. All are welcome, Jesus preached, as he invited everyone and gathered around him the least of the society. Verse 46 states that they would eat “their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God.” Eating together was a sacred act. We partook in the saced act of communion last week, and today had opportunity for communal meal through the ‘Lunch and Learn’ after our worship.
The fourth important trait of this authentic Christian community was its prayer.Early Christians likely participated in set prayers, such as the Lord’s Prayer, particular Psalms, or other types and forms of prayer. Praying is communion with God. To be an authentic community, believers must engage both intentionally and enthusiastically in prayer. Our Mission Prayer is one such set prayer, that we said together at the end of our worship and that the pastorate encourages every member and friend of TCC to say daily.
Fights the Aging Process The most exciting offer with regards to cheap viagra from uk is the medicine which is suggested to a large number of males have noticed big change into their health and relationship as well. You will want your diabetic meal plans to be balanced, healthy, and maintain the right amount of calories to maintain a proper overnight generic viagra weight as excessive weight put pressure on cardiovascular health. Side effects include: Constipation, depression, generic cialis from canada dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, impotence, impaired thinking, and weight gain. Due to viagra properien thought about this this, skin problem arises, for example acne. As the early Christian community exercised these four elements of communal discipleship, they were awestruck and amazed at the wonders and signs of their leaders. The disciples’ lives were Spirit-filled. They generously shared with one another, with all who had need. They lived with glad and sincere hearts. And they praised God and enjoyed the favor of all people; their numbers multiplied.
This same scripture is relevant to us, and to all Community of Christ congregations today. As we carry on our function as the body of Christ in the word through practicing all of these activities—devotion to the teachings, fellowship and generously sharing, eating together, and praying—we are and become authentic, hospitable, loving, generous, and Spirit-filled. In today’s worship, through our prayer, singing, teaching and fellowship, we experienced what it means to be the embodiment of sacred community.
Reference: World Church Worship Helps, Exploring the Scripture:http://www.cofchrist.org/
Weekly Theme Reflection by Roberta Brown