The first church did this. Today’s church doesn’t …

The New Testament church used to do this when they gathered together.

We don’t.

And we’re a far less loving, mature, and unified church than the early church we read about in the Bible.

What is this thing they did when they gathered that we don’t?

They met each others’ needs!

You don’t see much of that being done in the church in the Western world these days!

I’m sure you’ve read these passages already, but look at them again. Look at then with an open mind and fresh eyes, and see how they took care of the needs of their brothers and sisters in Christ when they gathered as the family of God, as the body of Christ …

“And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need,” Acts 2:44-45.

“All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had,” Acts 4:32.

What impact did such Christlike love and care for one another have on the church? Read for yourself …

“All the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved,” Acts 2:47.

“There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need,” Acts 4:34-35.

That kind of love and caring for each other resulted in their “enjoying the goodwill” of everyone and the Lord expanding His church by adding to it those who were being saved. But did you also notice that other outcome? By lavishing God’s love upon their brothers and sisters in Christ, there were no needy left among them!

Here’s a question for you: The last time you attended a church service in person, did any Christian leave with unmet needs?

Do the people in your local church even know what the needs are among your fellow church members?

Could those unmet needs have been met by your church pulling and pooling together to meet those needs?

Did your local church even try?

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples,” John 13:35.

Scotty