I get a bit concerned with the fact that so many people quote Acts Two (verse forty-two onwards) that it becomes a little hackneyed and also perhaps a lot of a cliche too, losing the impact through the familiarity.
For me, this passage highlights what ecumenism, and living as a Christian, is all about!
This passage speaks of the believers living on their 'own homes' and managing their own affairs (familial, financial stuff). But it also speaks of the believers selling possessions to ensure that 'none went without'. This has, for me, a resonance with the instruction regarding 'bringing all of our tithe into the storehouse . . .' found in Malachi chapter ten.
As we each live in our spiritual houses, the churches and fellowships, we need to be looking to emulate the Acts 2:42 church within our fellowships and within the wider, local and 'translocal' (as Dunn calls it!).
A call for us to support our own church family (through prayer, tithes for the church and pastoral care and giving within it), the local church family (through prayer, physical and financial support and commitment to each and every member and congregation) and the wider Church (through mission giving, calling out for ministry and projects).
It's so simple, so why don't we do it?
Some only want to live on their 'holy huddles' and live in isolation - not Biblical, not right!
Some only want to support their own
group, franchise or denomination - again, not Biblical, not right, not to be done (this doesn't mean we deny or work against our denomination though), sorry!
Some only want to support local (or British) projects and churches - again, wrong!
Some only want to support like-minded people. Some want to use support as a carrot and withholding of the Eucharist as a stick. Doesn't look that good in print does it (but there is a discussion to be had here!).
As the NT Church was seen to be in unity. As the world saw people living in communion and peace, they flocked to join and get some of it. How many flocking in these days?
Have any idea why not?
Pax
3 comments:
"They'll know we are Christians by our love," or in Biblical terms "By this shall everyone know you are my disciples."
To the extent we are selctive in this, our mission and witness are compromised.
Exactly - and there's the rub! We support what WE consider to be the right way forward and we pick and choose the meeting we go to in case we 'taint' ourselves by meeting other 'less' Christian than us!
I see people looking to find where we don't agree rather than celebrating where we do.
Painful stuff at times :(
Happy Saturday,
V
A real dilemma for us to sort out. I do not believe that we can do anything worthwhile in isolation. It needs people of goodwill, from wherever branch of christianity to unify to do the work we are called to do.
Which is why ecumenism is so important, working for church unity is also important, but I prefer working together as the priority.
As for giving - I have noticed that since my retirement with less resources, I seem to give more than I did when working - how or why I don't understand, perhaps having less makes us appreciate that others have even less than we have.
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