What Do You Have in Common?

This morning I preached a sermon entitled "Marks of a Healthy Church " based on Acts 2:41-47. I examined the commonalities of the early believers. (For the entire outline click here.)

I felt led to pay special attention to verses 46-47 in which it is recorded "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people (NKJV)."

Those early believers shared a "common behavior." They enjoyed being together in the temple and they gathered in each others homes sharing meals. Their lives were marked with gladness and simplicity. They lived like Jesus had lived.

The first Christians did not allow their lives to become complicated. They lived with "simplicity of heart." In verse 45, we learn they "sold all their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need (HCSB)." Since they had only the necessities of life, they had time to pray with one another and discover the needs of their community."

When the people of the community saw the common behavior of these new believers, the Bible records the Christians had "favor" with them. The community had respect for these first Christians because they were demonstrating a pure and authentic faith that made a difference in their neighborhoods.

The Modern Day Contrast

As just mentioned, the first believers found favor in the eyes of their fellow citizens because they were exhibiting a real Christianity and they displayed no pretense. They sought to please God first and as a result they gained the respect of many.

Unfortunately, in today's world, many who claim to be Christians seem to place a priority on pleasing and getting the favor of a non-believing world. If our goal is to get along with everyone, we will have to compromise our convictions at times. We will not place a priority of spending time with fellow Christians. So, church will not be a priority. If we want our kids to "fit in" with everyone, we will buy them (at whatever the cost) things that will help them identify with a mostly Godless world.

Also, if we try to get along with everyone, we will try to have all the luxuries that those who don't follow Christ have. Before we know it we are deep in debt for things that are not necessities. Then, we have to work longer hours to keep up a lifestyle that pushes us away from pleasing God. Consequently, our lives are incredibly complicated and relationships are strained and resources are taxed and emotions are spent. We don't have time for God or for the people we love. And we won't have the favor of the people in our community, because they see the hypocrisy of it all.

Is There Enough Evidence?

Suppose for a moment, Christianity is outlawed. All believers will be prosecuted and sentenced to prison. When you appear in court, is there a enough evidence to convict you of being a practicing Christian "beyond the shadow of a doubt."

The prosecuting attorney may present a local church membership roll that lists your name, but will your attendance record prove you were a staunch Christian? Does your attendance show that you were present at church for mostly social purposes? You attended all church wide meals, but few prayer meetings? Did your family make exceptions for sporting events that were held on Sunday? Did the weather have a major impact upon your attendance? Were you a "Sunday Morning Only" or a "Holiday Only" attender?

After a close examination of your financial records, would there be enough evidence to show that you are a committed Christian? Would the records reveal you practice sacrificial giving to the church or would they show you only gave a minimal amount to special causes, such as the purchase of playground equipment or a donation in support of a youth choir trip.

Would witnesses be found who could come forward and testify that you regularly talked about your love for Jesus? Can witnesses be found that claim you quoted scripture from memory and frequently sought to convert them to faith in Christ? Is there a prayer journal or a well marked Bible that can be exhibited to confirm you regularly engaged in Christian disciplines?

Would you be convicted or would you get off with a warning or less?

Do you have more in common with sold out followers of Jesus or with folks who are unashamedly not followers of Christ?

What changes in your life need to be made to be identified as a Christian?