A Community of Best Friends

April 20, 2015 Monday Message:

“All the Lord’s followers often met together, and they shared everything they had.” Acts 2:44 CEV

Building a church family should be more than just signing-up people to show up once a week. In Acts 2, the believers became one giant extended family.

Yes, they met for worship as you’d expect, but they also broke bread together, sharing their food happily and freely. Those blessed with abundance would sell a property to help those who needed help. That’s why God blesses some with abundance – so they can help others.

Being a member of a community of best friends was a highly desirable thing, and The Way grew largely through attraction. Everyone liked them, and each day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

As church leaders, we should endeavor to build that kind of community, the kind that attracts people. We shouldn’t have to coerce membership. If we build an Acts 2 church, people will knock on our doors willingly, seeking to be included in the family of God.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week, April 26, Pastor Michael Pilla brings a message from Acts 19, and discusses future plans for JICF.