Bridging the gap of Christian community--then and now
Good morning...
Sorry to those of you who have been checking in, only to find old posts on Table Talk. I think I've gotten my feet under me a bit now and I look forward to beginning some conversations again.
Last Sunday night, we looked at Acts 2.42-47 where Luke tells us the early church, 'devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, the 'life together,' the breaking of bread, and the prayers.' When I read this passage one word comes to mind: simplicity. Sometimes Christians in our time can make discipleship incredibly complicated. Then, we come to a passage like this and the calling is direct and clear: do these things.
I recognize that some thoughts probably circulate in your minds when you read this passage. We might think, 'well, that was possible in such a simpler time like the first century. Twenty-first century America is much different. We don't have the luxury of time like they had.' Another thought might be, 'these things sound so encouraging. I need them, but have no idea how they could become a reality in my life.'
I recognize these thoughts about this passage because I'm only voicing the ones that circulate in my head, too. Still, I believe the Holy Spirit can use this verse for Christian communities in the 21st century. I must believe it because I trust the authority of scripture that 'awe and wonder' settles in when we devote ourselves to these things.
So, I give that lengthy introduction to ask each of you. What do you think about this passage based on your daily and weekly lives? How can a Christian community in 2006 be inspired to do what the earliest Christians did back in 30 A.D.?
Most importantly, I would like to hear what you think are the major obstacles to authentic, Christian community in the 21st century.
Ok...I trust the Spirit will speak through your postings. Let's come around the Table and discern what God is saying!
Jack
Sorry to those of you who have been checking in, only to find old posts on Table Talk. I think I've gotten my feet under me a bit now and I look forward to beginning some conversations again.
Last Sunday night, we looked at Acts 2.42-47 where Luke tells us the early church, 'devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, the 'life together,' the breaking of bread, and the prayers.' When I read this passage one word comes to mind: simplicity. Sometimes Christians in our time can make discipleship incredibly complicated. Then, we come to a passage like this and the calling is direct and clear: do these things.
I recognize that some thoughts probably circulate in your minds when you read this passage. We might think, 'well, that was possible in such a simpler time like the first century. Twenty-first century America is much different. We don't have the luxury of time like they had.' Another thought might be, 'these things sound so encouraging. I need them, but have no idea how they could become a reality in my life.'
I recognize these thoughts about this passage because I'm only voicing the ones that circulate in my head, too. Still, I believe the Holy Spirit can use this verse for Christian communities in the 21st century. I must believe it because I trust the authority of scripture that 'awe and wonder' settles in when we devote ourselves to these things.
So, I give that lengthy introduction to ask each of you. What do you think about this passage based on your daily and weekly lives? How can a Christian community in 2006 be inspired to do what the earliest Christians did back in 30 A.D.?
Most importantly, I would like to hear what you think are the major obstacles to authentic, Christian community in the 21st century.
Ok...I trust the Spirit will speak through your postings. Let's come around the Table and discern what God is saying!
Jack
posted by Theophany@Church Street | 11:21 AM
3 Comments:
Yes, tight fellowships and beyond that, tight accountability. One of the things we as Americans, and much of the world as well face, is the fact that we are very private people. Neighbors no longer know neighbors. Blackberries, internet, email all allow for friendships and relationships with people on a need-to-know or surface level basis. And friends, we certainly cannot live holy lifestyles without the accountability of the community. Thus, tight fellowship, as Zach stated, which include faithful accountability are harder to come by these days than we think. Paul's letter to the Philippians is just the answer we need...
It's interesting to hear how the Holy Spirit keeps bringing some subjects to the foreground, whether through discussions within the Theophany community, on Table Talk, or beyond. The refrain I keep hearing from these comments is 'simplicity and community.' We are not living in a place where we need better ideas and more advanced theology to be more faithful Christians. We simply need to know one another better, to love one another better, and to make ourselves vulnerable before the Lord and with each other. I'm glad to hear that we all see needs within ourselves that need to be addressed. Include me in that mix....I'm struggling to live the self-less life. Let's struggle together and see what God will do.
Hey Pastor Jack-
When we going to get some more topics up here. Come on slacker. Of course I am reminded that Acts 2 says nothing about blogging (along with the prayers and such). I wonder what it says in the Greek though. You know how those NIV people intentionally omit verses.
Blessings,
Jackson
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