The “Ideal” Church in Acts

There is a tendency for Christians to think that the church in Acts was the model for all churches.  There are some things to imitate.  The generosity of the church where everyone sold what they possessed, and no one went without.  The church devotes itself to prayer for the release of Peter from prison.  The church sent out its leaders to do the work of evangelization to other countries.  The Ephesian elder’s unwavering support for Paul as he faced imprisonment and death.
Yet, there are enough events that show us the flaws of the church.  Ananias and Sapphira lying to the Holy Spirit.  Simon tried to buy the spiritual gift.  The leaders in Jerusalem rejecting the conversion of the Gentiles.  Paul and Barnabas argument and division.  We also read of the problems in churches like Galatia and Corinth that are happening during the time of Acts. 
Acts is not a picture of the ideal church, but it is the story of how the gospel changed lives, how believers faced problems and challenges, and how God was faithful in every situation.  In our own situation, with the story of our church and the churches around us, we should not think there is an ideal that somehow, we’ve missed nor there is a secret that we can uncover that will allow us to be an ideal church.
The need of the hour is not for us to mimic an outward manifestation we see in Acts.  The need of the hour is for God’s people to be faithful.  To listen to the exhortations to be prayerful, compassionate, sharing, and ready to give a witness of the goodness of God.  We will never carry out the Great Commission perfectly, but we can wholly follow the Risen Christ celebrating the good news that he has given to us.

Pastor Greg

PS—Thank you for your prayers for my family in the death of my brother, Mitchell on this past Sunday.  The service will be in my hometown of Winder, Georgia, and Karen and I will be with my mother for a couple of days following.