Post by Les Brewer on Dec 16, 2023 15:44:53 GMT
Community in Christ By: Anne Cetas
Click here for the Audio Message
They devoted themselves . . . to fellowship.
Acts 2:42
Today's Scripture & Insight :
Acts 2:38–47
In the southern Bahamas lies a small piece of land called Ragged Island. In the nineteenth century it had an active salt industry, but because of a decline in that industry, many people emigrated to nearby islands. In 2016, when fewer than eighty people lived there, the island featured three religious denominations, yet the people all gathered together in one place for worship and fellowship each week. With so few residents, a sense of community was especially vital for them.
The people of the early church felt a crucial need and desire for community as well. They were excited about their newfound faith that was made possible by Jesus’ death and resurrection. But they also knew He was no longer physically with them, so they knew they needed each other. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings, to fellowship and to sharing Communion together (Acts 2:42). They gathered in homes for worship and meals and cared for others’ needs. The church is described in this way: “All the believers were one in heart and mind” (4:32). Filled with the Holy Spirit, they praised God continually and brought the church’s needs to Him in prayer.
Community is essential for our growth and support. Don’t try to go it alone. God will develop that sense of community as you share your struggles and joys with others and draw near to Him together.
Reflect & Pray
How might you commit to spending time with fellow believers? Where and when will you do this?
I need You and Your people, God, to help me live the fullest life for You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Luke wrote his gospel to provide an account of the ministry of Jesus (Luke 1:1-4). He followed up with a second volume, The Acts of the Apostles, which documents the work and ministry of Christ’s disciples in bringing the good news to people “in Jerusalem” (chs. 1-7), “in all Judea and Samaria” (chs. 8-12), “and to the ends of the earth” (chs. 13-28). Luke describes the birth of the church on the day of Pentecost (ch. 2) where three thousand people (v. 41) were added to the initial group “numbering about a hundred and twenty” (1:15). In response to Peter’s preaching in the temple, “the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand” (4:4). Despite internal strife, strong opposition, and persistent persecution, the church continued to grow as “the word of God continued to spread and flourish” (12:24) and “more and more men and women believed in the Lord” (5:14; see 6:7; 11:21; 19:20).
K. T. Sim
Acts 2:38-47
King James Version
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Click here for the Audio Message
They devoted themselves . . . to fellowship.
Acts 2:42
Today's Scripture & Insight :
Acts 2:38–47
In the southern Bahamas lies a small piece of land called Ragged Island. In the nineteenth century it had an active salt industry, but because of a decline in that industry, many people emigrated to nearby islands. In 2016, when fewer than eighty people lived there, the island featured three religious denominations, yet the people all gathered together in one place for worship and fellowship each week. With so few residents, a sense of community was especially vital for them.
The people of the early church felt a crucial need and desire for community as well. They were excited about their newfound faith that was made possible by Jesus’ death and resurrection. But they also knew He was no longer physically with them, so they knew they needed each other. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings, to fellowship and to sharing Communion together (Acts 2:42). They gathered in homes for worship and meals and cared for others’ needs. The church is described in this way: “All the believers were one in heart and mind” (4:32). Filled with the Holy Spirit, they praised God continually and brought the church’s needs to Him in prayer.
Community is essential for our growth and support. Don’t try to go it alone. God will develop that sense of community as you share your struggles and joys with others and draw near to Him together.
Reflect & Pray
How might you commit to spending time with fellow believers? Where and when will you do this?
I need You and Your people, God, to help me live the fullest life for You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Luke wrote his gospel to provide an account of the ministry of Jesus (Luke 1:1-4). He followed up with a second volume, The Acts of the Apostles, which documents the work and ministry of Christ’s disciples in bringing the good news to people “in Jerusalem” (chs. 1-7), “in all Judea and Samaria” (chs. 8-12), “and to the ends of the earth” (chs. 13-28). Luke describes the birth of the church on the day of Pentecost (ch. 2) where three thousand people (v. 41) were added to the initial group “numbering about a hundred and twenty” (1:15). In response to Peter’s preaching in the temple, “the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand” (4:4). Despite internal strife, strong opposition, and persistent persecution, the church continued to grow as “the word of God continued to spread and flourish” (12:24) and “more and more men and women believed in the Lord” (5:14; see 6:7; 11:21; 19:20).
K. T. Sim
Acts 2:38-47
King James Version
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
