It was the first day of the week … the first words of the new covenant … the first invitation to be saved. Three thousand (3000) received the Word and were baptized. Read it (Acts 2). No exaggeration …
But that should not be surprising … what else would sinners do, who are begging to know what Jesus wants them to do?
It is no wonder that these new disciples “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”. They wanted to learn everything they could about their new Master. They wanted to be together … they wanted to know more of His will … they wanted to remember Him and count on Him.
They all had different backgrounds – different languages – different hometowns … but they all shared “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father”.
That is why they had “everything in common”. That is always what happens when believers become brothers.
And it is happening here … at the OPEN. Not because we organized it so … not because we scheduled it so … but because a group of believers became brothers … because a group of prodigals became partners.
Justin and Lacy … who have opened their home (old and new) to us – for fun and fellowship.
Bart and Lynn … who have used their businesses to provide jobs for us – and other blessings.
Thomas and Orpha … who have given a van – just when one of us needed it most.
Duane and Riley … who have brought donuts on Sunday morning for months – for all of us to share.
Marc and Randy … who have used their expertise and connections to help us get what we needed.
And others and others … who have given rides - loaned cars - bought lunches - picked up kids - babysat – fed dogs - cleaned toilets – brought groceries – donated vacuums – washed towels - baked brownies – checked papers - filed income taxes – offered wise counsel – wiped away tears – prayed countless prayers – shared the Word – wept with those who weep and rejoiced with those who rejoice.
“All the believers were together and had everything in common.”
I have read of it …
I have heard of it …
But now … I am living in it.
Oh…how I miss that…
Just recently our small group (cell group) spent some time sharing together – a day of eating, relaxing and getting to know each other…over the next few days also meeting each others needs…
It makes me desire this more an more…yet – the struggle of competition and desire for power often prevents us from having everything in common. May God damn this spirit within us that prevents us from being the church He died for us to be!
I look forward to being with ya’ll again in just a few days!
By: Dennis Wilson on August 31, 2008
at 11:47 pm
There is something amazing going on. I can look around at the folks that have come to our place just within the last few months….I see so many positive changes in their lives. God has given them a new life…hope and happiness…people to turn to when they are hurting or in need. Our God is amazing!!
I look at my life. Two years ago, I was scared and hopeless and hurting so bad that I could not even imagine my life any other way. God had mercy on me, and gave me a family that encourages me, loves me…they give me a chance to belong and be included. I feel hopeful that my life will only continue to be blessed. I found my safe place…I found strength to stand. I thank God every day for this group of people.
The “labor” day we had today was evidence of the way this group of people have come together. It was great to see everyone that came work so hard to clean up the OPEN. We got so much accomplished! Teamwork at it’s finest! I thank God for each and every one that was there. He has brought some good folks to His church.
Thank you, Sherry. What we saw during our Labor Day labor day … was as much like Pentecoste Christianity as anything that I have ever seen. To see … a prostitute, working alongside a worthy woman, wife and mother … an ex-con working alongside an ex-preacher … a recovering alcoholic working alongside a person, who had never taken a sip, puff, or snort. I am still amazed … Rex
p.s. You are right in the middle of all that is good around here.
By: sherryfisher on September 1, 2008
at 10:00 pm
I’m finally starting to see what God intended for His church … how did I miss this for so long? I think I missed it mainly because I was going to church … not being the church.
As the idea sinks more and more into my heart I begin to understand that we are His Body … His church.
There’s a song that haunted me for a long time. It says, “If we are the Body, why aren’t His arms reaching, why aren’t His hands healing, why aren’t His words teaching?” I would listen to it and think to myself, “Why am I not reaching?”
One reason I wasn’t reaching was because I was letting all the “differences” keep walls around me. Now that I look for the things we have in common I am becoming a part. I learned a while back that experiences may be different, but we all have the same emotions. Something may scare me that doesn’t scare you … but we both fear something. When I can realize that idea, then I can also see that we both have the same solution … a God and Father that loves us.
“We are the Body, His arms are reaching, His hands are healing, His words are teaching.
We are the Body, His feet are going, and His love is showing them there is a way.” I see this being lived at the Open.
Thank you, Snack. I see His hands … arms … feet … and love … in your life and heart. You give place to His presence in your work here. Rex
By: cemotosnack on September 2, 2008
at 11:06 am
Yeah, it is good!
Yes, it is!
By: Sarah on September 2, 2008
at 4:59 pm
church…the called out…isn’t that beautiful? If there are folks out there NOT finding out how beautiful and how comforting, challenging and loving His body is…then search till you find it…or better yet….start being IT and you will fall in love with Jesus more deeply than ever. I love what “snack” said – - We are His hands, His feet, His words to one another and to a world that doesn’t experience mercy and tenderness very often. I love you Jesus….I love you Church!
Thank you, twt. Amen to what you and Snack had to say. I love being a part of a church where I see the body of Jesus – alive! Please pray for us. Rex
By: teawithtennyson on September 3, 2008
at 8:28 am
I’ve never been to the OPEN…But I love it from afar. I’ve never been there, but from here, I can see that its wonderous thing to be a part of. And strangely, even though I’ve never been there and barely know a few who have, it seems like home to me. Its the place I want to be, to worship, to fellowship, to learn and to love. Someday….I will get there…and I have no doubt in my mind that I will be loved and accepted…cause thats what Jesus would do…and from what I can see, the folks at the OPEN strive to be like Him.
Thank you, Email girl. I will make you a deal – you come, and I will make sure that you are loved and accepted. Deal? Rex
By: Email Girl on September 3, 2008
at 1:00 pm
Rex, I just found your blog and I must say. I love it. I loved hearing about your Jesus on Wednesdays, and I love reading about him 6000 miles away. Thanks for the encouragement, and opening me eyes to the fact that real Christians do exist and they look just like me; dirty, broken, redeemed!
Love you man.
Thank you, Darin. It was good to have you visit here. One day … I hope that you can come and visit among us – broken and bruised but redeemed folks. God bless you and yours. Please pray for me. Rex
By: Darin Thompson on September 4, 2008
at 5:22 am
If Jesus came down to look around- he would check out the open- I think- hard working people- trying to help out any way they can. Honest. Active. Compassionate and understanding. Admitted sinners but trying to do what Jesus would want. See ya next week.
Thank you, Barry. I see it the same way that you do … and hope that we see it like Jesus would. Hurry up and get here. Rex
By: Barry on September 4, 2008
at 7:54 am
Glad it is happening where you are…Thanks for your ministry!
Thank you, David. Please pray for me … for us! Rex
By: David Kirk on September 4, 2008
at 10:40 pm
And, friend of my youth, ever since I have known you you have been characteristically living it…living out the “all things in common” Christ principle. In the days of our first meeting, thought I tried to hide it well, I was a selfish person. I remember being often rebuked in my own heart by your life. You never meant to offer me a rebuke…not at all. You would never think of such toward me. You have always credited me more than I deserve. (But I am grateful for it.) But you would give and give and give to me…you gave time and attention…you always seemed to want to do whatever I wanted to do…you sought my input…you built my esteem every way you could. It registered clearly in my heart…this particular difference between you and me. And though I can’t claim victory over selfishness…I can claim that any ground I have gained over it, can be attributed to God’s help of me through you. And this is not the only area in which I have been so helped through you. Thank you, brother, for being so willing to have all things in common with me. I mean it to be so…from me to you as well. And with all our beloved in Christ. With all my heart.
By: oakesclan on September 12, 2008
at 2:21 pm