RELEASING RESOURCES FOR THE CAUSE OF JESUS
We who belong to Jesus Christ have no right to waste resources on independent, selfish living
Houses are very costly. Prices are increasing. Many today cannot afford to buy.
This was true for the first Christians. Some had houses and lands and some could not afford them. Some had wealth, some did not. Some were rich, some were poor.
And yet they knew that Jesus taught justice for all, with equality and love, and the end of competitive selfishness. And so, in obedience to His commands, they pooled their wealth and had 'all things in common'.
The rich had less, the poor had more - just as Jesus instructed. The Pentecost church demonstrated real justice. Economic equality was a sign that God's new society had come. Wealth was 'distributed to all who had need'. This was the pattern church produced by the Holy Spirit and relevant for all time.
Houses and shelter provided for all! But that provision must uphold the 'equality' principle. There must be justice for all who are born again and embrace the Kingdom of God - you cannot have 'palaces' for the leaders (bishops) and night shelters for others! The Lancaster R.C. Bishop who recently sold his Bishop's palace to share the proceeds with the poor was moving in Biblical holiness.
We must dare to show the radical, revolutionary nature of real Christianity. We must show that Jesus Christ is Lord, His kingdom is here in His church and the old Adam flesh with all its selfishness is dead. We must show that we are truly God's family, loving one another. No one must move in the prides and superiorities brought by wealth and possessions. Big community houses are the key to having real community churches in the UK in 21 C. We've pioneered them, and with quality leadership, a spirit of holy love, and with all joining in the common purse of the house, they work.
The contrasting economics between 'normal middle-class living' and 'big house community' are startling.
 In 2002 a couple might pay £85,000 for a semi-detached house (assuming they can afford the mortgage)! The capital cost is therefore £42,500 per adult.
Twelve of us could buy a big house at £330,000 with many bedrooms, large ground floor rooms etc The cost is £27,500 per adult.
Which is best for the kingdom? Which follows the Acts 2 model? Which obeys the teachings of Jesus?
Now note this:
In the year 2000 the total cost of living per week per person (national average figures) was £164.76. By 2002 this has most likely increased to some £180.00.
The comparable cost of living per week in the New Creation Christian Community in the big community house (with good facilities and including all living costs) according to current NCCC figures was £98.84 in 2000 and is most likely to be under £110.00 in 2002 - 40% less! (In big community we save 60% by purchasing food wholesale etc)
This means there is a saving of at least £70.00 per person per week. If 100 people lived in big community houses rather than their own semi-detached houses, this would mean a saving of £364,000 per year.
We who belong to Jesus Christ have no right to waste resources on independent, selfish living. By releasing these resources we can advance the gospel, provide for the poor and show the kingdom to much bigger effect. Moreover there is a decrease in house 'cares and responsibilities' in the bigger house, when compared with several smaller houses.
And in a big community house which is spiritually healthy, discipleship works. There is the visible functioning variety of the Body of Christ and a sense of the kingdom-society in action in shepherding, caring, teaching and serving within the harmony of love.
In the UK today there is no better way to be true church than 'big house' community living. Such big community houses become the 'engine rooms' of the church, pouring into the church life, power and movement. From them come spiritually gifted men and women with mature character and rich in spiritual wisdom and in them are found the emerging prophetic and pastoral leaders, and others with gifts of evangelism, intercession and other ministries.
You are always welcome to visit the New Creation Christian Community and stay in one of our community houses. Just write, phone, e-mail and ask!
 Have your say! Leave your comments and join in the discussion on this article on the Jesus Army Forum.
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Releasing resources
