An Open Letter to Christians   
 

by Jonathan Perz

 

Dear Christian, There is a spirit that existed among the original disciples of Jesus Christ that I find lacking today. They seemed to love to spend time together. Do we? After three thousand souls were baptized and added to Christ, we read how "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" (Acts 2:46-47). They did this daily, not weekly. They spent time together. They not only gathered congregationally in the temple, but they also opened their homes to one another. They seemed to enjoy it and it said a great deal about them to the people around them. Sometimes I wonder how big of an impact a lack of this spirit makes on congregations as a whole and disciples individually. Don't you? How big of a change would we see in every aspect of a congregation's overall vibe and energy if this spirit permeated abundantly today in churches? We have so many time-saving devices, yet so little time for each other. We have so many means of communication today, yet we do so little genuine communing. Why is this? Have we lost sight of the power and importance of face-to-face time? Paul longed to see his brethren's faces. Do we? One of the most amazing aspects of this first century spirit permeating the ancient church in Judea was the fact that it doesn't seem to be by edict, rule or law that they did this. They did not have the New Testament written and bound teaching and urging them in this behavior. It seemed a natural aspect of God's grace and the Holy Spirit working in their lives. They seemed to desire to be around each other. They desired to do for one-another. I am ashamed to say that many a week goes by where the extent of my brotherly social activity was confined to the four walls of the church meeting house. I can do better. I don't know about you, but I am feeling a pressing burden to make more time for and spend more time with my beloved brethren. How about you? Your Unsocial Brother (but committed to be more genuinely social than I have been)...   For Past Auburn Beacons go to: www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm   Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send your request to: larryrouse@aubeacon.com

 Other Articles by Jonathan Perz

Slow to Wrath
God Help Me To Be A Better Listener
The Reluctant Disciple
Light or Darkness
"Confused" by Truth
Dressing Our Daughters Like Prostitutes
Is the New Testament a Law?
Coming to the Defense of Sin and Error
Fellowship With God is Conditional