Nougat 8

Thankfully, not everyone sold all their property at Pentecost. And, they had access to the Temple. What took place after the conversion of the masses is partly natural. It remains the hallmark of many worship spaces today. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat

Acts 2:46 CEVDCI

[46] Day after day they met together in the temple. They broke bread together in different homes and shared their food happily and freely,

Sent for Fellowship

Their time together didn’t end with the worship service in the temple. The first converts visited each other. They truly enjoyed each other’s company. It may seem shocking to us, living in a world where insularity is normal and acceptable. Perhaps it wasn’t the norm outside of the Jesus community, as Luke felt led to underscore that point to Theophilus.

Self-Check

Are we very open to being in the company of other believers in Christ? How often are we spending free time together?

Application

I believe that this may be the most visible sign among believers today. At least in the spaces I’ve belonged. Not everyone might go to each other’s homes, but the friendships and support groups that emerge in Christ-led fellowships are evident. I suspect we fail to recognise it until it’s no longer accessible.

These fellowships today have two origins: the intentional and the spontaneous. Intentional groups include the auxiliaries: women, men, and youth, alongside the board of elders. Those meetings are planned, may have membership criteria, and usually have defined meeting times. The spontaneous, informal groups are those that would perhaps meet at each other’s homes, share meals, and are involved in each other’s lives.

Often, the two are interrelated. So one will find members of the formal group splintered into smaller groups, including other intentional groups like cell ministry. In some instances, informal group members impact others in their circle and this may also lead to increased membership.

What Luke doesn’t explicitly state is that all these groups, whether formal or informal, require investment of time and other resources. Every relationship in life has to be built and maintained. In the case of ‘support’ and interest groups, the active presence of God’s Spirit is an added incentive. Of course, we must guard against insularity that excludes. Our faith-based relationships ought to invite others to know Christ because of our hospitality.

Some hints are given to us in the text:

1. We meet outside of formal worship for reflection on God’s Word regularly

2. Visits are part of our rhythm outside of worship

3. During our informal visits, we share meals as well as good fellowship, and no one bears the burden of the costs alone.

4. Relationships are strengthened in those spaces, and Christ is glorified.

Siblings, this only requires one other step that wasn’t specified in our Nougat. We make the time to pray for each other, and for the spiritual growth of the church.

Prayer Point

Let’s intentionally present small groups and auxiliaries in our various fellowships to God, inviting God’s presence, coverage and intervention in their lives.

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May all we seek be found in Christ