Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 7
When Bracken described Acts as a model—believers selling possessions, giving to the poor, living in “common union”—he admitted their intentional community experiment was zealous, naive, and a “proving ground”; what does this reveal about God’s patience with imperfect attempts at obedience, and how should a group discern the difference between faithful imitation of the early church and immature idealism?
Another way to ask: Bracken’s group tried to live like Acts—sharing money, selling things, helping the poor—and he says it was zealous but naive. What does this show about God being patient with imperfect obedience, and how can a group tell the difference between copying the early church well and chasing a shallow ideal?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s story, God can use imperfect, even naïve attempts at obedience as a “proving ground” that forms people, even if the method isn’t ultimately sustainable. Discernment requires humility—admitting experiments are experiments—while still letting Acts and Jesus’ teachings function as a genuine “roadmap,” not a romantic fantasy.
- He says he had begun to idolize “bank account…equity…house,” then read Acts where believers “sold all they have…gave to the poor…lived in common union.”
- Their response: moved out of houses “onto a farm together,” describing themselves as “young…zealous…naive…crazy enough to do this.”
- He clarifies: “I’m not suggesting that that’s the right way…This whole intentional community thing…is…an experiment.”
- Yet he calls it “a proving ground for us,” implying God used it to shape them.
- He later admits, “I could go on…about why that doesn’t work,” showing sober reflection instead of pride.