The Joy of Shared Beginnings

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” — Acts 2:42 (KJV)

What do new believers do in a newly constituted congregation?

They dive in.

They get to know God’s Word.
They get to know each other.
They begin to experience the common life.

They eat together. They do life together. They share. They laugh. They sing. They pray.

It must have been electrifying.

Anyone who has ever been involved in church planting with new believers in a new community has felt it. Everything is new—and everything is experienced in community.

There is love.
There is passion.
There is fire.
There is enthusiasm.
There is a shared sense of purpose and mission.

Everyone is in one accord.
The mission is clear.
The purpose is overriding.

People sacrifice time and resources. They pull together for the good of all and for the sake of the cause.

It is no wonder there is often rapid growth in new groups—new churches, new classes, new fellowships, new cell groups, new ministries. The attraction to something vibrant, hopeful, and unified is compelling.

Following in the Steps of Jesus

These new believers in Jerusalem were following in Jesus’ steps, as 1 Peter 2:21 reminds us.

They were learning to hear and follow the voice of their Shepherd, as Jesus described in John 10.

They were discovering the promise of life He offered:

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” — John 10:10 (KJV)

For the first time in their lives, they were experiencing abundant life.

Rescued from the thief who had stolen joy and purpose, they were awakening to a new way of being—together.

And that is what happens when new people gather around a new life in Christ.

The Word is fresh.
Community is precious.
Prayer is natural.
Mission is compelling.

It is the miracle of shared beginnings.