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.
By Anne Cetas
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
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