A GROWING COMMUNITY
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Acts 2:40-41 (NIV)
In these powerful verses, we witness the incredible moment when the good news about Jesus first breaks into the hearts of thousands. Peter, full of the Spirit, stands up and pleads with the crowd, not with condemnation, but with urgency and compassion. His message isn’t polished or soft. It’s raw and real. He warns them, pleads with them, and points them to Jesus as the only way to be saved from a world filled with corruption and brokenness.
But one of the things I’ve often missed in this passage is that three thousand were added to their number that day. Peter was calling individuals to make a decision about Jesus, but he was also speaking to them as a larger group. Salvation is for you, but it’s also for us collectively. The number doesn’t matter as much as the sheer impact of salvation. As God saves us, we join an ever-growing, always-expanding community. In other words, you cannot belong to Christ and not belong to Christ’s community.
There are more than 8 billion people on the planet. Unfortunately, people now seem to feel lonelier than ever before. Depression, isolation and suicide are all on the rise. It’s rare to see a group of people on fire for God together. Today’s passage is a reminder that there is hope. God has another way.
God was on the move in the early church, and He has been on the move for centuries. Thankfully, He’s still working in our midst. He’s saving many and building a growing community that is thousands (millions) strong!
APPLICATION: How’s your community? Which relationships need attention? Take one step toward forming and strengthening true friendship today.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for calling me out of darkness and into Your light. Soften my heart every day to hear Your voice and respond. Help me turn from anything that draws me away from You, and give me courage to share my faith with others, just like Peter. Use me to help others find new life in You so we can experience a growing community. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?