I invite you to open your Bibles to Acts, the second chapter, which is the text where we will be taking our remarks this morning. We want to look at the text beginning with verse 42. This is concerning what was going on in the city of Jerusalem shortly after the Day of Pentecost: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 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. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” [Acts 2:42-47].
Here we see a “snapshot” of the very first Christian community in action. What do we see them doing here in this snapshot which is provided in the Gospel account by Luke, the writer of the Book of Acts? Well, we see that they are involved in worshipping together. We see that they were involved in listening to the apostles’ instruction, praising God, partaking of the Lord’s supper, and in praying. We also see them eating meals together, spending time together, and being joyful.
I think there is a striking point that we see here in this picture—in this snapshot—of these early Christians. That point would have to be their TOGETHERNESS. In this text, we see that they continued steadfastly in fellowship, verse 42 [“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”] We see that “all who believed were together and they had all things in common,” verse 44. And they shared with one another, verse 45 [“and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”] It is apparent that these early Christians were CONNECTED to one another.
Now, certainly there were some unique circumstances, which was the case here in the city of Jerusalem at this time, which sort of threw them together—pitched them together, if you will—in this way. There were some special needs that had to be addressed, no doubt. However, we should not take that circumstance and suggest that this is somehow a “fluke”—some kind of an anomaly. No, we see from the outset that there is a special trait—a characteristic—of the Lord’s Body. This special characteristic was that they are connected with a certain togetherness, and we see this characteristic reflected throughout the New Testament.
Yes, it is a part of God’s divine intention and design for the health, for the welfare, and for the proper functioning of the church that we be connected to other Christians. Let’s spend a few moments looking at the “together” aspect of life in Christ. Let’s look at illustrations we have in the New Testament concerning this togetherness.
First, we go back to this aspect of FELLOWSHIP that we see going on among the early Christians, those members of that first church there in Jerusalem, Acts 2:42 [“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”] We see also that Paul will say that we are called to fellowship in Christ or with Christ, 1 Corinthians 1, verse 9 [“God is faithful, by Whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”] And we see that as “we walk in the light as He is in the light,” then“we have fellowship with one another,”1 John 1, verse 7.
What is “fellowship”? Well, it has to do with sharing in common. It has to do with being in partnership. And then as Christians, we are to be fellows. No, that’s not a sexist comment—rather, being fellows means that we are to be sharing in—that we are to be partaking of. So we see that we are to be fellow citizens, Ephesians 2, verses 11 through 22. [See verse 19: “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…”]
We see that we are to be fellow heirs, Ephesians 3 and verse 6. [“that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the Gospel.”]
We see that we are to be fellow workers, Philippians 4 and verse 3. [“And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the Gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.”]
We are to be fellow servants, Colossians 1, verse 7. [“as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf…”]
We are to be fellow soldiers, Philippians 2, verse 25. [“Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need…”]
And, as we work together, we extend the right hand of fellowship, Galatians 2, verse 9. [“and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.”]
The idea is that as we partner together in the work, then we share in the rewards of the Christian life. So we have the illustration and the example of fellowship.
Then there is also the illustration, or example, of BROTHERHOOD, as Peter mentions in 1 Peter 2, verse 17. [“Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King.”] When we become Christians, then we become children of God, 1 John 3, verse 2. [“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”] Then, as children of God, we become brothers and sisters forming a community possessed of that relationship.
In Christ we enjoy this family relationship. Jesus would say that, as we do His Will, then He considers us to be His brothers and sisters—that we are a part of His family, Mark 3:31 through 35. [“Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, ‘Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.’ But He answered them, saying, ‘Who is My mother, or My brothers?’ And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the Will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.’”]
As Christians and members of the church, then, we are part of—we are members of—the household of God, Ephesians 2:19. [“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…”]
This being members of the household of God means that we are in the family of God, 1 Timothy 3:15. [“Then if I do not come right away, you will know what people should do in God’s family. This family is the church of the living God. The church people hold what is true and keep it strong.” This is the Worldwide English translation, using the translation “God’s family” or “family of God.” Other translations say, “household of God,” “God’s household,” “house of God.”] Being in the household of God—being the family of God—means that we must have a family consciousness—a family awareness about other Christians, because we are all siblings and part of one family.
One more illustration in this regard: We’ve seen the illustration of fellowship, of brotherhood, and we also see the illustration of MEMBERSHIP. The church is Christ’s Body. Paul writes and says, “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His Body,” Ephesians 1:22 and 23. And Paul will write to the church in Corinth and say, “Now you are the Body of Christ, and members individually,” 1 Corinthians 12, verse 27. In the original Greek language of the New Testament, the word “member,” as it is used here in this text, means “a limb of the body.” Used metaphorically then, we, as members of the church, are limbs—appendages—of the Body of Christ.
Moreover, as Christians and members of the Body of Christ, we are members of one another. Paul writes and says, “So we, being many, are one Body in Christ, and individually members of one another,” Romans 12 and verse 5. He will say the same thing to the church in Ephesus when he says, “for we are members of one another,” Ephesians 4, verse 25. [“Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.”] This language very clearly shows our connectivity to one another. Yes, we are to be together—we are to be connected one with another.
As members of the Body, there is a corporate relationship—there is a communal relationship. Body members—body parts, if you will—are not to work, to function, to exist independent from one another. There is indeed a great interdependence that we have on and with one another. This is illustrated so well by Paul in 1 Corinthians, chapter 12, beginning with verse 12. This is a lengthy text but it bears being read. Turn to 1 Corinthians, chapter 12, verse 12, and keep in mind that Paul here is writing to the church located in the city of Corinth there in the first century. He writes and says, “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by One Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you;’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism” (or “division”) “in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” Then verse 27, “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.”
Very eloquent—very illustrative—of how the human body is put together and metaphorically, then, or how that represents the Body of Christ—the church. We see that not all parts of the body have the same function. Paul will reiterate that in Romans, chapter 12, verses 3 through 8. [“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”]
If the body and its members are to grow, each member must contribute. Listen to Paul as he states this in Ephesians, chapter 4. He will say, “from the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love,” Ephesians 4:16 (from the English Standard Version).
There are not to be in the body, specifically in the Body of Christ, any vestigial organs. [Vestigial organs are organs, which at one time were fully functioning but now are degenerate or imperfectly developed. These organs are no longer able to contribute to the well-being of the body, and their inability to do so may endanger other members of the body, causing them to become unable to function well in the body. Since all of the body parts that God made in man are vital to his existence, vestigial organs are usually a result of disease, ill-health, failure to take proper care of the body, etc.] That is to say, there are no “decorative parts.” In the Body of Christ, there are no useless or unimportant members.
Well, we see, then, this concept of the Body—the church—being together, knit together, looped together, as the joints of the human body or, as some translations will say in that text in 1 Corinthians, chapter 12, as ligaments of the body.
But let’s notice, too, that there is a concept of LOCAL CHURCH MEMBERSHIP. The local church is different from the universal church. The church of Christ universally is the sum of all Christians together. Jesus said, “I will build My church,” Matthew 16, verse 18. [“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”] There, He is referring to the universal church, the universal Body of Christ—all those who belong to Christ.
However, a church of Christ locally is a specific group of Christians who function together as a community, as a congregation. For example, Paul and Barnabas “appointed elders in every church,” Acts 14, verse 23. [“So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in Whom they had believed.”] “Every church” means the specific congregations in locales where they had previously traveled and preached, and where they had established congregations. Paul will write specifically “to the church of God which is at Corinth,” 1 Corinthians 1, verse 2. [“To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours.”] As Paul writes to the local church in the city of Rome, he tells them, “The churches of Christ salute you,” Romans 16 and verse 16. [“Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.” (King James Version)]
One is added by the Lord Himself to the universal church upon obedience of the Gospel. There in Acts chapter 2, we see that on the Day of Pentecost, there were about 3,000 people that day—as they were responsive to, obedient to the Gospel invitation given by Peter in that first Gospel sermon—there were about 3,000 souls who were added to them. Then in verse 47, we’ll read it again: “And the Lord added daily to the church those who were being saved.” [“praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”] Well this is clearly a reference to the church universal—to all Christians combined.
After having been added by the Lord to the church universal, one should then join himself or herself to a local church—to the local congregation, if you will. An example of this is found when the Apostle Paul went for the first time to the city of Jerusalem sometime after his conversion. He made an attempt to join with the disciples, Acts, chapter 9, verses 26 through 28. [“And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the Name of Jesus. So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.”] That word “joined”is variously translated to mean “associate”and “unite.”
The mere provision of a local church in God’s Word implies that there is a Divine Purpose for the local church, and that there is a corresponding responsibility of Christians to avail themselves of that Divine Purpose. The idea of becoming a Christian, and then never becoming a part of a local congregation, is foreign to the Scriptures. As Christians, we are obligated to participate in the life of a faithful, local congregation, whenever and wherever that is a possibility.
Here, we might consider the opposite—the antitheses, if you will—of this joining together and sharing fellowship. We look at what Paul will have to say, both to the church in Corinth, and again to the church in Thessalonica, about withdrawing fellowship from those who behave in certain ways. Thus, we can see that there is not an option about participating, about being a part of a local congregation.
And we see, too, that much of what a Christian is to do is “for the common good,” 1Corinthians 12 and verse 7. [“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (New International Version)] Another translation of that passage says that we are to do things “for the benefit of all.”
Well, the main idea here, then, is: as Christians, we have responsibilities to other Christians. And in Christ, we are connected to one another—we are connected to other Christians. Therefore, consider that there are some specific responsibilities that we have to other Christians.
First of all, there are some ATTITUDES which we must maintain, and we will go through these very quickly:
We are to have concern for one another, 1 Corinthians 12, verses 25 and 26. [“so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” (New International Version)]
We are to show humility and have lowliness of mind, toward one another, Philippians 2, verse 3. [“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”]
We are to maintain a peaceable spirit, Romans 14, verses 17 through 19. [“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.”]
We are to have an appreciation for others and their work, 1 Thessalonians 1, verses 2 and 3. [“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father.”]
We are to maintain an attitude of a cooperative nature, that is, being willing to work together. As in the metaphor of the proper functioning of the body parts, one can’t say to the other, “I have no need of you,” 1 Corinthians 12, verse 21. [“And the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’”]
We must maintain an attitude of friendliness and of warmth, Philemon 1, verse 7. [“For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.”]
We must maintain an attitude of gentleness and of meekness, Galatians 6, verse 1. [“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”]
We are to have an attitude of forbearance and longsuffering and patience, Colossians 3, verses 12 and 13. [“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”]
We are to practice an attitude of forgiveness toward one another, as Paul said to the church in Colosse, “forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive,” Colossians 3, verse 13. [“Forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Revised Standard Version)]
Over all of these attitudes, we must maintain an attitude of love. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all (people) will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another,” John 13, verses 34 and 35.
So we are to be connected, there is to be a certain togetherness within the Body of Christ, and we are to maintain these attitudes toward one another.
But then there are also some things to DO. We should IDENTIFYas a member of a faithful congregation. We commonly refer to that as “placing membership.” There are some who may consider themselves to be “Christians at large,” or “floating members,” or “solo Christians.” Those who are in that category are missing an important aspect of Christianity.
The same thing can be said about those who are “passive” as members of a congregation, those who really are not much more than mere “spectators,”—“Just along for the ride,” so to speak. When one “places membership,” one should do so with the intent of being an actual functioning member, and not a mere “appendage”of the Body of Christ. “Placing membership” involves making real commitments to that local congregation. Because of the seriousness of these real commitments, we should pray for other Christians, especially those who are members of our congregation.
And then, “placing membership” involves submitting to the elders of that local congregation. It also involves and includes attending and participating in the assemblies of the congregation. As the Hebrew writer says, “and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, but encouraging one another,” Hebrews 10:24 and 25. [“and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Revised Standard Version)] We can’t escape the “corporate nature” of our gathering together. As we do that, as we “stir one another up,” as we “encourage one another”by our attendance, by our being present, by our participation in the worship service, then we each one benefit from that. Assembling together should not merely be a routine to perform, but rather, assembling together should be recognized as a God-given provision for our spiritual good.
As we are a part of a local congregation—as we are members of that local church of Christ—we are also then to contribute financially to the work of that congregation. We are also to engage personally and directly in the work of the congregation. We should help maintain the unity of the congregation. We should extend courtesy and hospitality and we should do our very best to find an individual role to fulfill where we might be a functioning—an active—part of that local Body of Christ.
There is much more that we could say about the togetherness, about the connection that we have as Christians, but let me point out that much of the joy of being in Christ comes from our relationship with other Christians. We see that John had great joy when he heard of others walking in the Truth, 3 John 3, verse 4. [“For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the Truth that is in you, just as you walk in the Truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in Truth.”] And Paul had joy when he remembered his fellowship with others, Philippians 1, verses 3 through 5. [“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now.”]
Can we not see the importance of being connected together—of being connected to other Christians?!! This connection is not only crucial to having joy, but to remaining faithful to the Lord, experiencing all the blessings that the Lord provides for his servants, and being encouraged by others to be diligent in fulfilling our responsibilities as Christians.
Let me close the lesson this morning with these questions for you to consider:
Are you at this time a functioning part of the Body of Christ?
Do you feel that you are really connected with other Christians?
If the answer to one or both of those questions as you honestly consider them is “No,” then I ask you to consider, “Why not?” Why don’t you feel as though you are a functioning part—a member, remember—a limb of the body? Why don’t you feel as though you are a functioning member of the Body of Christ? Why don’t you feel that you are connected to other Christians? Is it that you have allowed yourself to become disconnected or disassociated with the Body of which you were once a part?
If that describes your condition, then won’t you decide today to make a commitment? Make a commitment to the Lord—make a commitment to this Body of Christ that meets here in this place—to return to your rightful place within the Body.
If the answer to your question as to whether or not you feel as though you are a functioning part of the Body of Christ and connected to other Christians is “No,” then is it that you have never joined with this local Body of Christ? If that is your situation, then will you not this very day decide to stop trying to live and to function as an independent appendage of the Body. Join yourself to this Body of Christians and become an active and working member of this congregation.
If you are here today and you have not yet been obedient to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then won’t you this day come? Come believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, willing to confess His Name before men, willing and ready to repent of your sins, and then obediently and willingly be baptized for the remission of your sins. Then you will be joined by God Himself to the Body of Christ, to that universal Body of Christ, and we will embrace you, then, as a part of this local fellowship!
Consider these questions today.