The early Christians, baptized in water and the Spirit, began to live a new life. Listen to the words of Acts: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' instructions and the communal life, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. A reverent fear overtook them all, for many wonders and signs were performed by the apostles. Those who believed shared all things in common; they  would sell their property and goods, dividing everything on the basis of each one's need. They went to the temple area together every day, while in their homes they broke bread. With exultant and sincere hearts they took their meals in common, praising God and winning the approval of all the people. Day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved" (Acts 2: 42-47).  "The  community of believers were of one heart and one mind" (Acts 4: 32).

Do we have the same experience today?  If not, why not? Was this meant only for a select few at the beginning? If so, should we feel cheated?  But then, how do we reconcile the words of scripture in Acts with our present situation?  Immediately after Peter preached his first sermon the hearers asked: "What are we to do?" Peter answered: "You must reform and be baptized each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, that your sins may be forgiven; then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. It was to you and your children that the promise was made and to all those still far off whom the Lord our God calls" (Acts 2: 37-39). Has not God given us the same call? Is his plan not eternal? The answer to these two questions is "yes"! (To be continued)