The golden days of summer are nearly behind us. As we anticipate a new season, we give thanks for both the rest and the adventure we enjoyed over the last few months. Maybe you slept in every day and cuddled with your kids each morning. Maybe you climbed a mountain, dined with your best friend at a favorite restaurant, or read a book of the Bible with a fresh, eager spirit.
My best time of the summer was reading the Book of Acts. With new inspiration that our God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, I offer a few exhortations on Community to guide us into fall at Calvary Fellowship.
Fellowship with the Body of Christ
As a faith community with the indwelling Spirit in our hearts, the fellowship we share is a powerful thing. We are bound together in the life of our church through prayer, worship, feasting, and fasting. Like the early church, we are called to share and grow together as one big family at a communal dinner table.
Respond to God and to Others
The Book of Acts guides us in being effective witnesses for Jesus Christ and responding to His call. This takes obedience. Often when we hear God (or someone we know) calling our name, we feel we’re unqualified for whatever it is. That’s the idea. If we try to accomplish His purposes in our own power, we will fail. Responding to God and to others requires that we check ego at the door.
Act on Your Calling
The example of the apostles as Christ's witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the rest of the world inspires us to action. The gift of the Holy Spirit who empowers, guides, teaches, and serves as our Counselor sustains us. God can do amazing things through ordinary people. Whatever He’s calling us to, let’s not wait for the perfect time to begin serving Him.
Build Your Community
We don’t have to look far to find a community to build. In addition to the church, there’s the family, neighborhood, school, workplace, mission field—just a few of many places God needs us. It’s good to know that the amazing works and miracles of Peter, John, Paul, and others performed in the Book of Acts were only the beginning of God’s great work to draw all men to Himself. That work continues right in front of us. As God used a group of fisherman to turn the world upside down, so He uses us, changing our hearts, empowering us by His Spirit, and giving us a passion to spread the good news in Community.
