Cult Heroes

Acts 1-2

Normally, when I've heard pastors preach on the characteristics of the early church, they seem to skip over the cult-like qualities in favor of other characteristics that fall more into line with our modern church. What if we had a church that mirrored the Acts 2 description...

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 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. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 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.

So what about it? If "all the believers devoted themselves" there would be only participants, no spectators. If we truly "shared everything we had" then none would be in need, and none would take advantage of the others. If we "worshiped at the Temple each day" instead of only one or two days a week, God would have a more significant place in our lives. My guess is that we'd also see "many miraculous signs and wonders" accompanying this total commitment and that the Lord would add to our numbers daily... and the rest of the world would call us a cult.