This lesson is from Christ in the Home: Light for Today.
COMMON GROUND
Verses of the day....key verse 44 is underlined
Acts 2:42-47 (NRSV) "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common: they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their humber those who were being saved."
When my husband and I toured Israel last year, a memorable stop was Capernaum, where we viewed the ruins of what is believed to be one of the first "house churches." Christians in those times often had to meet in secret to avoid persecution. There were no organs or choir lofts or stained-glass windows, just small groups of faithful souls who came together to pray and praise God, share a Communion meal, and care for one another's needs.
Persecution still exists today, and in many areas the house church remains the only option for believers. However, even in communities where Christianity is widely embraced, more and more worshipers are choosing the intimate, caring fellowship a house church offers.
Whether you feel more comfortable in a "church with walls" and all the familiar trappings, or prefer the informality and close-knit relationships of a house church, one constant unites us: we don't "do" Christianity alone. It takes all of us-loving, caring, sharing and praying for each other-to keep faith alive, our own faith and that of those walking this road with us.
by Myra Johnson
Thank you Lord for the church and for making us each a valued member of the body of Christ. Amen