They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.

Acts 2:42-44 (NIV)

The early church modelled for us the power of community life.

Luke tells us how the believers gathered together to learn and grow in their faith. They grew not only spiritually but also relationally, sharing with one another.  The result is that the early church continued to grow every day. (Acts 2:47)

We don't need to create elaborate events to bring people to a church gathering. That doesn't mean we shouldn't have programs and activities, but we can get so caught up in them that we forget to focus on community life.

The essence of the gospel can best be understood and experienced through the life of a community. All we need to do is create a safe space where people feel close enough and long enough to discover the gospel on their own and bear fruits.

The opposite of community isn’t isolation, it is indifference.

It is possible to belong to a community yet remain indifferent towards it. Indifference leads to poor fellowship and superficial friendships. It makes community life less trusting and less welcoming. If we are detached from the things God intended for us, we will forget our true identity and purpose as His children.

If we look back at the early church, we will see how a healthy and vibrant community life creates opportunities for new experiences and insights. The Spirit of God was at work throughout the community, moving freely amongst the believers. They could sense God's presence and power through His signs, miracles, and wonders.

It’s important to remember that Luke wasn’t talking about an ideal or perfect community in Acts. He was talking about a community rooted in the reality of the gospel. Without the gospel, everything we do as a people of God is meaningless.