Community

One of the most common ways that we experience God is in community.

Throughout Jesus’ life, we saw Him spending time alone in the wilderness, eating, and fellowshipping with his friends.

There were even sightings of Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners.

Jesus knew there was something powerful about being in the presence of others and that God dwells there.

It’s usually in community where people can become vulnerable and be their most authentic selves.

Even in my own life, many conversations about God and the Bible have happened by just hanging out with others around a campfire, or during a road trip.

While solitude can be a powerful way to connect with God, isolation is not. Community plays a vital role in nurturing spiritual growth.

However, being part of a community doesn’t only happen within the walls of a church—it can thrive in schools, small groups, or even among friends.

In today’s passage, the disciples, having recently received the promised gift of the Holy Spirit, boldly share the story of Jesus—His life, death, and resurrection.

As they proclaim the Gospel, many come to believe in Jesus.

Word spreads quickly throughout Jerusalem, and the growing community of believers begins to gather together.

Acts 2:42-47

This text tells a peculiar story about the earliest believers in Jesus.

They committed to living together and experienced great joy.

The beautiful thing about this story is that as they continued to live in community, more people believed in Jesus.

v.42-43) They didn’t just embrace the message of Jesus; they committed to building a community with one another. In this shared life, they experienced things that would have been impossible in isolation.

Matt. 22: 37-40- Love God with everything you have and love your neighbor as yourself. All of the OT depends on these two

It’s impossible to love your neighbor if you’re never around other people.

They were so devoted they shared meals, stories, teaching, laughter, tears, and even saw a few miracles.

v.44-45) If God is a generous God who gives freely to all His children, then it is no surprise that generosity was experienced in this community.

When we are in relationship with others we are able to witness the image of God displayed in their conversations and actions.

v.46-47) Although it may seem less practical today, God still calls us to live in unity with fellow believers.

In John 17:21-24, Jesus even prayed we will be united with one another, as He is united with God Himself.

While we may not be able to spend all our time together, making every attempt, no matter how small, to catch up on life are some ways you can enjoy the goodwill of one another.

He knew that if the world saw how united we are as believers, others would find this attractive and believe as well.

Experiencing God in real life is not only going to church on Sundays; it’s meeting God in everyday conversations with everyday humans in everyday places.

God reveals Himself in others so that many will encounter Him and be saved.

The same loving community that gathered in Jerusalem is the one God invites you to join today.

Across the globe, people are living out their faith, experiencing God’s goodness in their everyday lives.

This invitation is not exclusive—it’s extended to all of creation because of God’s boundless love for us.

As the Bible says, “For God so loved the world,” reminding us that God’s love is unconditional, no matter our past words or actions.

Yet, it is up to us to accept this invitation, and to step into the embrace of this beloved community of believers.

As we close tonight, God invites us to be in relationship with Him and with others in community.

We see the image of God in one another when we spend time together.

When we are united in community, it makes Jesus attractive to those who don’t believe.

Let’s pray.