Breaking Bread, Building Community
Picture this: You're living in Jerusalem, 50 days after Jesus was crucified. You've heard rumors that He's alive, but everything feels uncertain. Then suddenly, the sound of rushing wind fills the air, flames of fire appear over people's heads, and everyone starts speaking in languages they've never learned. In one day, 3,000 people believe in Jesus and get baptized. What happens next changes everything.
In this compelling message from Acts 2:42-47, retired pastor Jim Fox takes us inside the daily life of the very first Christians. These weren't perfect people - they were ordinary men and women who discovered four simple practices that created extraordinary community: devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking bread together, and prayer.
Jim's teaching is filled with warmth, humor, and practical wisdom gained from years of pastoral ministry. He shares personal stories that bring Scripture to life, from his coffee-stained "scratch and sniff" Bible to the challenges of baptizing people without a baptismal pool. His honest, down-to-earth approach makes these ancient truths accessible and applicable for modern believers.
You'll learn why fellowship means so much more than sharing meals (though Jim has plenty to say about the importance of inviting people to your table), how the early church handled their possessions and property, and why their commitment to prayer gave them boldness in the face of persecution. Most importantly, you'll discover how these four practices created a community so attractive that "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
This isn't just a history lesson - it's a blueprint for authentic Christian living. Whether you're new to faith or have been walking with Jesus for years, this message will challenge you to move beyond surface-level Christianity into the kind of deep, meaningful fellowship that changes lives and reaches the world.
The message concludes with a meaningful communion service, reminding us that at the heart of Christian community is the simple act of gathering around the table to remember what Jesus has done for us.