As many of us are battening down for quarantine and avoiding contact with other people, we are left to wonder how to continue the mission of the church. For centuries, Acts 2:42-47 has inspired the church in how to function and inspired Christians how to live. It reads:
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
This church was the epicenter of Christian life. They shared everything, and lived in constant community. So the question stands, "how do we do this?" In an time where community has been quickly uprooted, at first glance it may seem impossible for Christian living of this caliber to survive. The answer lays in the principle of the text. It isn't the actions that make the Christian community what it is, but the Spirit behind the things that are done.
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching..." Even in isolation, we can still devote ourselves to the Word of God. Since the churches have stopped public gatherings, there's been an explosion of online resources and livestreamed worship. Even without internet access, Christians at the very least have their own Bible to delve into Scripture. Now, there's much to be said about the benefits of being in God's Word, but most apparent is comfort during times of anxiety.
"...to the breaking of bread and the prayers." Even before humanity receded into quarantine, people have been praying collectively in their various settings. It's a fairly common practice in designated prayer groups to pray at a certain time, wherever they happened to be in that moment. We may not be gathering to pray as a congregation, but we no less can pray as the communion of saints.
"And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need." The act of helping a neighbor doesn't originate here, but whether its selling our possessions or distributing charity, we all can serve in the various positions we're in. Many young folk have taken to getting groceries for those who are at risk or in mandated quarantine. We can also help the cause and serve by obeying the safety guidelines set by our leaders.
"...praising God..." Lastly, return to the Lord. This is the ebb and flow of Christian life. God reaches us through His Word, we respond by prayer and serving one another. Then, we end up back at God, to rest in Him and praise Him regardless of circumstances. Worship rejuvenates us to continue His work and the cycle keeps going.
Just because we can't meet in person, doesn't mean we cannot keep living the Christian life. Not being able to worship together threw a wrench into a lot of people's lives and left them wondering how to continue. But we know that God and His purpose are bigger than that. We have been given the power to continue our cycle of Christian life, by starting with God, serving in response, and coming back to Him again.
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