What is Balance Sunday?- Balance Sunday is the last Sunday of each month where we collectively model the pattern of the early church according to Acts 2:42. (We discuss what this means below).
Balance is defined as "a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions."
The following are quotes from online articles giving us guidance on well balanced dieting.
"A well-balanced diet provides important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep the body and mind strong and healthy" - Snap fitness
"A balanced diet is important because your organs and tissues need proper nutrition to work effectively. Without good nutrition, your body is more prone to disease, infection, fatigue, and poor performance. ... heart disease. cancer."
- Capital Lifestyle
A well balanced Spiritual diet:
Here at Disciples Of Christ Jesus we believe the scripture gives us the ingredients to a well balanced Spiritual diet
The church is referred to as the body of Christ (Romans 12:4). Just as a natural body should take in a wholesome diet, so should the spiritual body (the church). Acts 2:42 provides a healthy diet & outline for the spiritual body.
Acts 2:42
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
It maybe better translated as; "And they were constant & diligent in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers"
Notice that there are 4 elements mentioned here 1. apostles doctrine 2. fellowship 3. breaking of bread 4. prayers
The early church modeled the example of a well balanced spiritual diet. And as the Lord's disciples today, it would be wise for us to continue in their example in these four elements.
Each element is of great spiritual importance. And one without the other can and will affect us in negative ways spiritually.
One cannot replace another, and there is no substitute for each individual element. This should not be limited to once a month, instead a common habitual thread to our lifestyles. However, we do desire to model it as the church at large. This is what balance Sunday is all about.
Brief breakdown of each element:
1. Apostles Doctrine- Notice that this teaching or doctrine is not merely a doctrine but a specific kind of doctrine, the apostles doctrine. This is what the church is built upon (Ephesians 2:20). To ensure that we are on the right path we must continue in this doctrine just as the early church did. The bible warns us about not being carried about with every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14), this lets us know that there are many false doctrines out here.
2. Fellowship- Participation with one another, social interaction, sharing with one another. Be it our time, resources, the company of each another etc, fellowship is a vital part of the Christian life.
3. Breaking Of Bread- Sharing a meal together. Jesus broke bread with two disciples (Luke 24:29-31). What happened next was that their eyes were opened and they knew him and he vanished out of our sight. Breaking bread translates into a similar experience today. As disciples of the Lord, many powerful & intimate things can happen in relationships over a shared meal. Never underestimate the power of breaking bread with someone, revelatory experiences of Jesus may often follow!
4. Prayers- Communication with God should be of obvious importance and a consistent and common practice in our lives.
Hopefully this encourages you to model this in your own personal life.
Join us for Balance Sunday!