And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony...Acts 2:44 [Sunrise May 22 2013]

And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony…Acts 2:44 [Sunrise May 22 2013]

Epilogue:  Where Do We Go From Here?

43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity – every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people.  People in general liked what they saw. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.  Acts 2:43-47 (NLT / MSG)

We began this series the day after Resurrection Sunday with the question, Now What?

Now 50 plus days later, and after the spectacular outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday, we ask  – “Where do we go from here?”

This passage from Acts 2:44-47 describes the next move of the believers who were living it in real time.

They embraced a completely new, counter culture lifestyle.

Here we get a glimpse of what Christian community could and should look like. And for a brief window of time, it’s beautiful.

I remain an idealist for the possibilities of Christian community, despite all the garbage of church history and the baggage of modern day church-ian-ity.

What if we could live going forward in that same spirit of fresh revelation? What does a transformed community look like? How is the church supposed to represent Christ?

Acts 2 shows the first fruits of Christian community were:

  • Reverence, awe and respect for who God is, and what He was/is doing
  • Powerful demonstrations of God’s love released through the believers
  • Harmony amongst all the community
  • Generosity from and for all
  • Worship that is celebratory, exuberant and joyful
  • Praise that is attractive and God centered
  • Joy
  • Favor amongst all people
  • Growth and increase

This was the model of a happy, wholehearted, worshiping community.

Encouraging wholehearted worship has been my mission for a long time now.  Only God through Jesus Christ can heal, restore and renew each of us from our broken, lost and ignorant condition.

He takes our shattered hearts and makes them whole. He takes our brief lifetimes and makes them significant.

Our response to the work of God in our lives is worship.  

May the Lord bless you as you read this. May He release  a fresh revelation and outpouring of His presence in every aspect of your life.

May we all be transformed as those first friends of Jesus, and may we bear the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit changing us for His glory.

The Lord be with you! Worship Him!

This Series Will Become A Book

Thank you for reading and sharing! I hope you’ve enjoyed my From Easter To Pentecost Devotional Series.

Each day during the Easter season (the 50 day period from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday) I wrote a fresh devotional thought with my sunrise photo of that morning,  commenting as the Spirit inspired.

My plan now is to compile and edit these devotionals and assemble them into a proper book. You can see below one idea for a book cover, but I think I’ll solicit more options.

So expect to hear more from me on this project!

Book Cover Idea #1 What do you think?

Book Cover Idea #1 What do you think?

Let’s Pray:

I invite you to pray with me. Today’s prayer is a benediction from Colossians 3:15-17

May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
to which indeed you were called in one body;
and be thankful.

May the word of Christ richly dwell within you,
with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another
with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Amen.

Would you like a sample of  my devotional book “From Easter To Pentecost? 

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment.