Julie Fillinger

A community that comes together 

Continuing in my 40-Day Feast journey, I spent a little extra time in Acts 2 from Day 18, Hey Y’all ! When Eric and I moved to Alabama, one of the things that was especially surprising was the hospitality. We had heard about southern hospitality but had never really experienced it. Our community of close friends including those we went to church with were always willing to sacrificially minister to us, but not people we didn’t even really know who happened to live in the same neighborhood.

When we moved here, we saw people showing up with casseroles or chainsaws, depending on the need at the moment. That didn’t necessarily mean they wanted to be our close friends, but they came from a long line of folks who looked out for one another when tragedy struck. And they weren’t about to let anyone in their community go in need. If we are in a crisis, we can rest assured our neighbor is going to show up with mama’s best chicken, green beans cooked down with bacon, and banana pudding.

It may not perfectly illustrate the fellowship that comes as Christians gather around God’s Word and break bread, but it does give a visible picture of what a community coming together with a common goal can look like. 

Jesus had to go  

Just before Jesus ascended to heaven, He told His disciples He had to go so the Comforter could come. I am not sure why the resurrected Jesus and the Holy Spirit could not be on earth at the same time. Maybe because Jesus went to make intercession for us before the Father’s Throne of Grace. When He left to be our Great High Priest is when the Holy Spirit began to literally embody believers. And from that time forward, as soon as someone accepts Jesus Christ as Lord, the Holy Spirit enters and testifies to their spirit the Truth that comforts, guides, protects, and teaches. We know nothing of God apart from The Word and The Spirit working together.  

The day this all began was on Pentecost. It is a feast 50 days after Passover where Jews come to Jerusalem to gather together and remember God and celebrate His goodness. On this particular Pentecost, Peter had something to say.  

The Day the Holy Spirit rained down  

Judas had already been replaced and the new 12 were meeting together in a house with 120 others who were devoting themselves to prayer, waiting to hear from the Father, as Jesus instructed. When the Day of Pentecost came, suddenly there came from heaven a noise that sounded like a violent rushing wind. A gale force spread like wildfire as the Holy Spirit filled them, enabling them to speak in different but known languages.

There were many devout Jews from all over the world staying in Jerusalem because of Passover and Pentecost. The noise was so great they heard it too, and the sound compelled them to come from the four corners of the city. As they arrived, they heard the Galileans who had been filled with the Spirit speaking in each of these Jews’ own native languages describing the mighty work of God. 

3,000 and counting  

That’s when Peter stood up to speak. He had been empowered by the Holy Spirit and he didn’t hold back. He reminded them that the prophet Joel said this would happen. Then he spoke of Jesus Christ’s life, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of which they were witnesses. In Acts 2:36 Peter says, “Let all of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked what they should do. Peter told them to repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins and they would receive the Holy Spirit. About 3,000 of them decided to do just that.  

The miracle of this life changing day resulted in the people wanting to stick around and keep fellowshipping together. They devoted themselves to teaching and prayer and breaking bread. They went so far as to sell all of their possessions so they could distribute to one another as each one had a need. Going to the temple daily to worship, they then returned to their homes to eat together. Everyone had all things in common as they praised God with glad hearts. People saw the love they had for one another and wanted to join them. The Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. 

Is this what Christian Community should look like?  

What would happen if we as Christians continued to live like this? I have been asking myself if I am listening to the Holy Spirit and submitting to His Power in all areas of my time, treasure, and talents. If I am being honest, I fear this looks a lot like redistribution of wealth. And no self-respecting Republican should want a part of that kind of Socialism!

But then the thought occurs that maybe God’s idea for the Church to minister as each one had need is a way to show what a radically changed life in Christ looks like. Everything belongs to God, and He expects me to be a good manager of what He generously gives. Is my heart becoming cynical when I would rather judge others’ motives and justify my selfishness by misrepresenting what God meant when He said through Paul in 1 Thessalonians 3, “if they don’t work, they shouldn’t eat?”  Sure, I give to the food pantry at our church. I have even shown up to share the Gospel before.  But I wonder how much more God would show up if I had the courage to sell everything I had and live in true community with my Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Now that would be radical!  Not caring or comparing who made more or gave more, just happy to share together as God provided. I have a feeling this would look a lot more like heaven than how I do it now. I may have to wait until Christ returns to find out, but maybe not.   

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