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Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1-2:2

Grace peace and mercy from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

I have a vision of a church without barriers; barriers that keep the congregation from reaching out into the community. After all Jesus told His disciples to go and make disciples. However that isn't what is happening in America today at least on a large scale. So let me ask a few questions.

First, what image comes to mind when I say the word church? Hold that thought. What if the word church conjured up the image of a group of believers that cared for each other? Not just cared but was literally willing to sacrifice a little of their treasures to insure their brothers and sisters had enough to eat and clothing to wear. What if their goal was to reach as many people as possible with a message of hope and salvation? Is that what the word church brings to mind for you?

I can tell you that church did exist in the first century. It's recorded in the book of Acts. Not to say that church doesn't still exist in some places throughout the world. We may ask why it doesn't still exist as the universal church.

As I'm sure you know many things have happened to the church over two millennia. I personally think one of the biggest contributing factors that such a church isn't universal, at least in America, is the concept of a building dedicated to worship alone. It may have been a well meaning thought in the third century when the first Basilica appeared in Rome. And fortunately for us today those houses of worship in Europe preserved knowledge through the dark ages that may have been lost forever.

I have to admit that it does feel good and inspiring to enter a "house at worship." But at times it also troubles me that so many resources are devoted to a building when those resources could be used in other ways.

Unfortunately in our age the building is quickly becoming a detriment. Think about what happens when a congregation builds a church? First, the building becomes the focus of activity unless there is a very strong and active outreach sentiment in the congregation. Then over time the congregation starts to look inward, almost by definition the concern of the congregation turns to keeping the lights on rather than reaching out. Second the building becomes a focus of emotional attachment. I've seen the problems created by the building. The emotional attachments and financial burdens that threaten to divert the focus away from the message of the Cross.

For the last two hundred years I think it's safe to say that in America the philosophy has been build and they will come. That just doesn't fit today's culture in America. In fact I would say our culture has more in common with the first century than we realize. This country may have started out on a Christian foundation but we can't assume people know or understand what Christianity is about in this age.

Let's turn our focus to our readings from Acts and First John to see what a Christian congregation should be about.

In his opening prologue John tells us the Word is Life the most precious kind of life, eternal life with Jesus Christ. As we read on John points out three ''important principles" of a true Christian fellowship.

The first principle is our fellowship must be grounded in The Testimony of God's Word. This is the most important aspect of fellowship and it is the solid foundation that cannot be compromised. John shares the testimony of first hand knowledge. Listen to what John is saying that which was from the beginning, which they have heard, which they have seen, and touched with their own hands, the life made manifest. John is telling us they were there and know the testimony is true Jesus Christ was a real man and He is true God. He rose from the dead. That is the solid foundation of our faith, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The second principle, Christian fellowship is mutual. True believers care for each other and pray for each other. John emphasizes their fellowship with God through Jesus. If we have that same fellowship with God then we also have fellowship with each other. God is light and Jesus is light. If we walk in the light and avoid the darkness we are one in fellowship. There is no darkness in Jesus but we do live in a dark world. Through the grace of our Lord we have been washed clean by His precious blood so that we become light in this world. The light draws others into fellowship with Jesus and us.

The third principle is that we are renewed daily through the Holy Spirit. No church, that is fellowship of believers, starts or continues to live without the power of the Holy Spirit. We need that daily refreshment to overcome the disappointments and challenges of the darkness around us. The Holy Spirit brings us into the body of Christ at our Baptism and stands with us at all times.

The three verses from Acts give us further insight into true Christian fellowship. We read that they were all of one mind. We also read that they shared their possessions selling them as necessary so that no one goes without. Finally we are told they continued to testify to the resurrection because grace was upon them.

Basically they were of one mind to testify of Christ's salvation and to care for others, because they were emulating Christ's teachings they were blessed.

I don't see why a Christian fellowship in this day can't be like that early apostolic church.

Before you panic I'm not going to suggest that anyone go out and sell their possessions.

Is there any reason we can't meet to worship God and use some of our time, talent, and treasures to help hurting people in this community? Not only help but bring a message of hope and salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I believe the Holy Spirit is working here to do good for our neighbors. And we don't have to do it alone. We can coordinate with other groups as well as reach out on our own.

I am here to tell you if the Spirit can reach me, chief of sinners, anyone can be reached. Remember that first principle of being grounded in The Testimony of the Resurrection? Being grounded in the testimony is truly accepting what Jesus did for us. We needn't walk about carrying heavy guilt for our past. We do need to be of great joy that Jesus took the burden of our sins. His death brought the end of war between God and us. We are now at peace with God. If you believe it then show it in your actions and even use words to share the wondrous release from the burden of your sins.

No one has to go out and handout tracts on the street corner or knock on doors to share testimonies. What we do need to do is get involved in the community. As the relationships build there will be plenty of opportunities to share the Good News.

We have people here that have been on several servant events to Appalachia. We have people here that have worked with local groups like Good Works. We have people here that have taken an interest in someone in need or simply shared a kind word. That is what it's all about, loving our neighbors as God loves us. As relationships develop the Holy Spirit will open the way to share the Good News.

In the name of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.