The church with no needs …

Christians, especially church leaders, can be quick to turn to the New Testament – especially the Book of Acts – as providing the model for what it is to be Christ’s church.

We’re just as quick to give little thought as to how wildly different the American church is from that model!

For example, an incredible reality of the first church is that it was a church in which no members had unmet needs.

What?

Huh?

Didn’t people in those days have needs, like everyone else before and after them?

Yes.

Then how is it that none of the members of the first church didn’t have any unmet needs?

They so loved each other, and ministered to each others needs, that they met all the needs among them!

“No way!”

Yes way!

Read for yourself:

“All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means ‘Son of Encouragement’). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles,” Acts 4:32-37.

And we call the Bible-lite home groups we have today “doing life together”! Not even close to the example of the early church given above.

If you think the church is as healthy and vibrant today, let me ask you this question: When was the last time your local church ended a Sunday morning service with the need of every member met, or arranged to be met the coming week?

How are you loving and caring for one another as brothers and sisters in Christ?

Scotty