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Acts 2:42 What Does That Look Like?
An excerpt from a recent reading worth sharing...
As we read Acts and the New Testament epistles we realize that at least two major factors attracted first-century men and women. First, the Christian message was vibrant with hope. God in Christ broke into man’s world, demonstrated his love and power, and in the Resurrection revealed an endless, triumphant life which Christ offers to every man…
There was a second major influence as well. Christianity created communities of love. The first century, like our own age, was an age of isolation and loneliness. Even though neighbors formed clubs that met regularly and helped pay for the burial of members who died, few had experienced the total acceptance and affirmation that could be found in the Christian community. Jesus had given His disciples a new commandment. Love as I have loved you. The early church became not simply a people committed to Jesus, but also a people committed to one another. Leaders served rather than dominated. Social class became less important, as believers ministered to each other with the spiritual gifts granted each one by God. It was neither easy nor automatic, but gradually Christians created a unique society of saints within the larger context of the pagan culture—a society in which others were accepted, loved, cared for, supported, encouraged, rebuked and honored.
And how attractive this new community was to the lonely men and women of the first century, who lived as we live today, fractured, isolated lives. To know Christ, and to experience His love through others, was more than millions could resist. And so the Gospel was shared, in word and in deed. And so the world of the first century was won.
Last edited by Socialite; 08-18-2010 at 07:27 PM.
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