Community in
the Last Days
by Steve
Martin
“Now the
multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did
anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all
things in common.” (Acts 4:32 NKJV)
Any of you remember the
days when you knew who your neighbor was, by name, and if you needed to borrow
an egg, Grace next door always had one? And she really didn’t expect you to pay
it back.
Remember the days when your
lawn went uncut for a few days longer than it was supposed to, because the
sickness you caught held on, but George got his out his lawnmower and just came
and took care of it?
How about those times
gone by when you needed a ride to the store, and gave Harry down the street a
quick call, knowing he’d help you in your time of need?
It was a time when we
just helped one another out. First, because we actually knew one another, and
second, because that was just what we did. We were part of a close knit
community, knowing the families who shared the neighborhood we lived in and with
whom our kids played with each other. Outdoors of course.
Those were the days some
have never seen in their lives. They have grown up in more recent times, possibly
moving so often that they can’t remember the names of their school classmates
two years ago, as they changed so much.
Many of us still cherish those
good memories, and even desire those times to come back. I don’t think they
will ever return as then, but I do have the hope that the Lord is bringing us
back to those types of relationships necessary to survive in these coming last
days.
You see, the Father God
has always had it in His heart for people to be in families, in close-knit
communities, in relationships where you know the ones you are meant to be close
to. Throughout history He has given us the example of living in community life,
supporting one another as needed, caring for the young and old in our midst. The
Jewish community has been that example, even in the early days of the church,
when they were together and had all things in common.
This Jewish heritage, part
of our Jewish roots as believers in Jesus, who Himself grew up in a close-knit
Jewish culture, has continued through the centuries demonstrating the heart of
the Father. They have been given as a light to the nations to display the
desired care and concern that God has for individuals, families, and the
extended family life.
This community life is even
more though than just having a next door neighbor there for that egg, or giving
a hand to cut the grass. Actually having ongoing relationships - sharing
concerns, helping one another raise kids in a healthy environment, and participating
in His love in a real way beyond just talk - I believe He is going to restore.
As members of the Bride of Christ and the One New Man church of believers, we will live in such a way that others
really will long for what we have together. They will see the love and desire
it for themselves.
In these last days to
come, no longer will our living exist for just “hers and mine and maybe two
more.” We will be in real community - sharing, giving, supporting and depending
on those joints whom we are connected to. Not in just some spiritual sense, but
in the actual here and now.
Tough times tend to bring
people together in living out actual community. He will see to it that His
people do come together, and be the people we are called to be. Together. One
heart, one mind, having all things in common. I believe that day is coming
sooner than we think.
I look forward to it, personally.
Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People. Inc.
Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit
USA humanitarian organization started in 2010 to share the love of the Father
in the nations.
If these letters minister to you,
please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each
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Now Think On This #127 Community
in the Last Days Steve
Martin
Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (03.09.14)
Sunday at 1:30 am in Charlotte, NC).
All previous editions of Now Think On
This can be found on this Blog,
