Luke, in the Book of Acts (Ch 2:42-47), gives us a
description of the early church community. He shows us the characteristics and
beliefs that made this group of believers such a powerful witness to the
community in which they were living. This group met together for fellowship,
teaching, communion and prayer.

They were filled with awe as God worked in the lives of the
apostles. They showed their care for each other by recognising each other’s
needs and by looking for ways to meet those needs. Luke tells us that through
these actions the church grew rapidly with new members being added on a daily basis.

However, this kind of community doesn’t just happen. Jesus,
in the Gospel of John13:34-35, shows us an important factor that underlies what
was happening in the early church: “A new commandment I give you: love one
another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this will all
men know you are my disciples, if you love one another”.

We are each individuals, with our own hopes, dreams, needs
and fears, but we have one thing (at least) in common. God loves each one of
us. And it is that love that should spur us on to loving others. This is not
some kind of wishy washy feeling but a practical, encompassing love that,
through the power of the Holy Spirit working through us, can change lives.

It is through this love that we can work together to make
our church community something that stands out and draws people to Him, as it
did in the early church.

Bruce and Jeanette Phillips.