Living Like the Early Church: A Guide to Authentic Christian Community
- Scot Jones
- Feb 5
- 2 min read
The early church in Acts provides a powerful model of how Christians should live and worship together. After Peter's sermon and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, 3,000 people came to know Jesus, birthing a vibrant community that reflected Christ's transformative power.
What Were the Key Characteristics of the Early Church?
1. Devotion to Biblical Teaching
The apostles' teaching formed the foundation of the early church. They shared firsthand accounts of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, focusing on God's kingdom and Jesus's commands. Today's churches must prioritize Biblical literacy through:
- Regular sermon teaching
- Sunday school classes
- Small group Bible studies
- Personal devotions
- Biblical-based children's and youth ministry
2. Commitment to Fellowship (Koinonia)
The concept of "lone ranger Christians" didn't exist in the early church. Their fellowship (koinonia) represented shared life and genuine community. This included:
- Supporting one another spiritually and practically
- Sharing meals together
- Creating environments where people feel known and loved
- Opening homes and hearts to one another
- Participating in small groups and connect groups
3. Prioritizing Worship and Communion
The early believers understood the significance of remembering Christ's sacrifice through:
- Regular communion celebrations
- Shared meals
- Daily worship practices
- Community prayer
4. Active Engagement in Outreach
Their love for God naturally overflowed into powerful witness to the world through:
- Personal relationships
- Mission efforts
- Community projects
- Sharing the Gospel message- Living as witnesses in daily life
Why Is Doing Life Together So Important?
The early church demonstrated that Christian community extends beyond Sunday services. True community involves:
Intentional relationships
Shared celebrations and challenges
Regular connection outside of formal church services
Supporting one another through life's ups and downs
Active participation in small groups and ministry
Life Application
This week, consider these challenging questions:
How devoted am I to studying God's Word regularly?
Am I actively participating in genuine fellowship beyond Sunday services?
In what ways can I better engage in outreach and sharing the Gospel?
Have I isolated myself from true Christian community?
Take action this week by:
Joining a small group or Bible study
Inviting someone from church to share a meal
Finding a way to serve in the church community
Reaching out to someone who needs support or encouragement
Remember: A disconnected Christian is a disobedient Christian. We are called to be part of the body of Christ, actively engaging in teaching, fellowship, worship, and outreach. When we truly do life together, focused on God's mission, He will grow His church and bring glory to His name.
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