We Were Made For Fellowship

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.

Acts 2:42

All Christians everywhere, especially new believers, need a community of believers to keep them going.  We need to surround ourselves with other people who love the Lord and are devoted to following His teachings.  This community should help members study the bible, assist them in prayer and ultimately mature in faith.  The early believers were very serious about their new found faith in Jesus Christ and they built their whole life around others who felt the same way. 

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 Lords' Supper and shared 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 2:44-47

Not only were these first believers devoted to God's teachings they were also devoted to fellowship. Helping others in times of need, they weren't scared to step into people's messy lives and offer a helping hand.  They boldly put their needs aside and did what ever was necessary to improve the life of a brother or sister of the community.  They shared everything and they worshipped together.  They were committed to not only God but each other.  They lived life together!  

Are we willing to live life with the Body of Christ?  Do we share our burdens, joys, sorrows and failures with the church?  Are we comfortable inviting other believers into our lives and are we willing to step into theirs?  I think of the strength this must have provided the early believers.  Knowing how having a few close God friends gives me strength and accountability, I can imagine what it would be like if a whole community were to be by my side for support and help in a time of need.  Sharing our homes and our food and all of our possessions to support each other........nothing is ours but everything belongs to the people.  It sounds beautiful and simple just like I imagine God intends for our lives to be.  And maybe some of you already have this in your close-nit neighborhood or maybe your church follows the lead of these first believers in Acts.  I hope you will keep these new believers in mind as you go about your week and spend time with others.  I encourage you to open up and share with people, either material things or the thoughts on your heart.  Get involved in your community of believers!  Devote yourselves to God's word and His people and you will grow in your faith.