Finding Jesus Through Community

Scripture References: Acts 2:37-47; John 13:34-35; Zechariah 8:4-6

Intro: Welcome. As seasons change and family rhythms shift (like parenting young adults instead of little kids), it prompts reflection on community. Just as we invest time in things because we love our kids (Scouts, softball, field trips), the early church invested deeply in community because they loved Jesus and were devoted to one another. Today, we explore Acts 2 and the power of devotion in building God's church.

Key Points:

1. The Acts 2 Miracle: After Peter's Pentecost sermon, 3,000 people were saved (v. 41)! Immediately, they formed a vibrant community (v. 42-47) – learning, fellowshipping, breaking bread, praying, sharing possessions, meeting daily with joy. How did this happen so quickly with such diverse people?
2. The Key: Devotion (v. 42): The connecting phrase is "They devoted themselves." Devotion isn't just obligation; it's a steadfast, persistent commitment, moving together in a fixed direction toward God. This shared posture allowed the Holy Spirit to unify thousands rapidly.
3. Devotion Embodied: This value was passed down (e.g., to Paul in Acts 9). Paul emphasized it through the many "one another" commands found throughout the New Testament: Love one another, serve one another, forgive one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, etc. These paint a picture of active devotion.
4. Living Devotion Today (Radiant Church Vision):
   • Need: Sunday mornings are vital but often insufficient for deep community.
   • Focus: Building community beyond Sundays through "Houses" and "Classes."
   • Houses: Monthly gatherings in homes for shared meals, worship, prayer, and wrestling together with mission, the Word, and the Spirit. Intentionally multi-generational (kids, youth, adults, grandparents all contributing) and missional (loving neighbors/city). (Note: Pausing Packs for a year to recalibrate).
   • Classes: Focused learning opportunities offered 3 times per year.
5. God Does the Impossible (Zechariah 8:4-6): Building true, devoted, multi-generational community that loves its city might seem impossible in our divided culture, but God specializes in the impossible with His people.

Conclusion: True Christian community is built on devotion – first to Jesus, then flowing out to one another. Our ability to live out the "one another" commands and build thriving community stems from understanding and receiving Christ's incredible devotion to us. He is our model.

Call to Action:

1. Reflect: What are you truly devoted to? Where might God be calling you to greater devotion – to Him, to His Word, His Spirit, His mission, His people?
2. Consider: Which "one another" command resonates with you? Where do you feel graced? Where do you need to grow?
3. Engage: Prayerfully consider participating in the upcoming "Houses" initiative as a way to practice devotion to community beyond Sunday morning.
4. Receive: As you reflect on Jesus' devotion (perhaps through communion), ask Him how you can better express devotion to Him and others this week.

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