“And all who believed were together and had all things common. And they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. And continuing with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they shared food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:44-47

These scriptures describe, in a beautifully simplistic way, the attitude, atmosphere and approval of true fellowship amongst Christians who gather in the name of Jesus Christ.

Attitude:

  • And all who believed were together (v. 44), with one accord in the temple (v. 46) and had all things in common (v. 44),

301_3638 Fellowshipping in “one accord” never includes the unbeliever. This thought runs contrary to modern day efforts to draw in “the lost” into “church buildings” in order that they might here the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As God has called us by the Spirit out of darkness and into His glorious light (II Corinthians 4:6), He also commands all believers to go out to the world and preach His Gospel to all who will hear! (Mark 16:15)

It should also be noted that from Pentecost came Jewish believers – who came to the temple initially but found themselves on the outside looking in! It was only a matter of time before they were ostracized from temple fellowship all together and began meeting from house to house! (Acts 2:46, Hebrews 10:23-39) This is something all believers have in common – from the beginning to now!

Note: Read related article “What Does Forsaking Fellowship Really Mean?”

Atmosphere:

  • they sold their possessions and goods (v. 45), distributed them to all, according as anyone had need (v. 45), breaking bread from house to house and, shared food with gladness and simplicity of heart. (v. 46), and, praising God (v. 47)

Persecuted by their Jewish neighbors because of their new faith in the Christ – these same Jewish followers of “The Way” were compelled out of practicality and necessity to share their possessions, goods and food too! Their unselfishness acts of kindness toward one another, bonded them together in both Spirit and Worship toward God! (Acts 2:45-46)

When believers approach one another with this type of servitude, God notices.

“If there is therefore any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tendernesses and mercies, then fulfill my joy, that you may be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.” Philippians 2:1-3

Note: Read related article “Tithes and Offerings are NOT a Christian Doctrine”

Approval:

  • having favor with all the people, the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (v. 47)

It also became a visible and living testimony of the early church’s love for God and one another – especially in the eyes of an unbelieving world.

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. As I have loved you, you should also love one another. By this all shall know that you are My disciples, if you have love toward one another.” John 13:34-35

God has given the believer His blueprint for building His church! And, the evidence that His church is the real one and not a counterfeit – is the love that is shown between one another in His name!

A true follower of Jesus Christ must possess the attitude of servitude. A true follower of Jesus Christ will practice servitude publicly and privately. A true follower of Jesus Christ will see his deeds approved of God because God receives the glory of our servitude toward He and one another!

“Do not marvel, my brothers, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brothers. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Everyone hating his brother is a murderer. And you know that no murderer has everlasting life abiding in him. By this we have known the love of God, because He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But whoever has this world’s goods and sees his brother having need, and shuts up his bowels from him, how does the love of God dwell in him? My children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And in this we shall know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him, that if our heart accuses us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not accuse us, we have confidence toward God.” I John 3:13-21

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