Devotional: Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders reveals the deep bonds formed in Christian community. His charge to them emphasizes both the joys and responsibilities of leading God's people, showing how healthy leadership serves to protect and nurture the church.Application: Write a note of encouragement to one of our church leaders, expressing appreciation for their service.Prayer: Father, bl...  Read More

Devotional: The gospel's impact in Ephesus shows how transformed lives can affect an entire city. When the community of believers lives distinctly from the culture, it creates both opposition and opportunity, demonstrating the powerful witness of authentic Christian community.Application: Identify one way your small group or ministry team can have a positive impact in our city.Prayer: Lord, use ou...  Read More

Devotional: The partnership between Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila shows how Christian community multiplies through mentorship and mutual support. Their investment in Apollos demonstrates the importance of helping others grow in their gifts and understanding.Application: Identify someone who has helped you grow spiritually and send them a message of gratitude.Prayer: Father, thank You for those who i...  Read More

Devotional: Paul's ministry in Athens shows how to engage different cultures with the gospel while maintaining its truth. His approach demonstrates how Christian community can connect with the broader society while remaining distinct in its beliefs and practices.Application: Consider how you can better connect with non-believers in your life while staying true to your faith.Prayer: Lord, give us w...  Read More

Devotional: Even after Paul and Barnabas separate, God continues to build His church through different teams. The conversion of Lydia and the Philippian jailer shows how God builds diverse communities of faith, reaching people from all walks of life.Application: Thank God for the different ministries and groups within our church, and consider how they all contribute to our community.Prayer: Father...  Read More

Devotional: The Jerusalem Council demonstrates how the early church handled conflict through respectful dialogue, biblical wisdom, and Spirit-led consensus. Their resolution protected both truth and unity, showing us how to address disagreements while maintaining fellowship.Application: Practice active listening today, especially with someone who holds a different perspective than you.Prayer: God,...  Read More

Devotional: Paul and Barnabas face both acceptance and rejection as they establish new communities of faith. Their return visit to strengthen these young churches shows the importance of ongoing discipleship and leadership development. We learn that building community requires long-term commitment and care.Application: Reach out to a newer believer in our church and offer encouragement or support ...  Read More

Devotional: The Antioch church models Spirit-led community as they send out missionaries. We see how healthy communities both nurture and release people for God's work, supporting them in their calling. Their example shows us how to recognize and support those God calls to specific ministry.Application: Consider how you can support our church's missionaries through prayer, encouragement, or giving...  Read More

Devotional: When Peter is imprisoned, the church responds with earnest prayer. Their unified intercession demonstrates the power of community in crisis, and God's miraculous answer shows His faithfulness to His people. This teaches us the importance of standing together in prayer during difficult times.Application: Join with others to pray specifically for someone in our church facing challenges t...  Read More

Devotional: The Jerusalem church learns to embrace God's work among the Gentiles, while believers in Antioch demonstrate practical love by sending aid to Judea. We see how true community crosses boundaries and responds to needs, showing that God's family extends beyond our immediate circle.Application: Look for an opportunity to support another church or ministry outside your immediate community t...  Read More

Devotional: Saul's conversion and the church's acceptance of him demonstrate the transforming power of God's grace in building community. Barnabas's willingness to stand with Saul shows how we can help others integrate into the body of Christ, even when it requires overcoming fear and suspicion.Application: Is there someone new or on the margins of our church community you could welcome like Barna...  Read More

Devotional: Saul's conversion and the church's acceptance of him demonstrate the transforming power of God's grace in building community. Barnabas's willingness to stand with Saul shows how we can help others integrate into the body of Christ, even when it requires overcoming fear and suspicion.Application: Is there someone new or on the margins of our church community you could welcome like Barna...  Read More

Devotional: Through Philip's ministry to the Samaritans and the Ethiopian eunuch, we see how God's community extends beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries. The gospel's power transcends all human divisions, showing us that true community in Christ knows no boundaries.Application: Reach out to someone from a different background in our church community and learn their story.Prayer: Lord, break down...  Read More

Devotional: Stephen's testimony demonstrates how godly community includes standing firm in truth, even at great cost. The persecution that follows shows how pressure can actually spread the gospel further. Through this, we learn that faithful witness in community sometimes requires great courage.Application: Write an encouraging note to someone in our church who is facing difficulties in their fai...  Read More

Devotional: The early church's commitment to sharing everything shows the depth of their community. When problems arose, they solved them together through wise leadership and delegation, showing us how healthy communities address conflicts constructively. Their willingness to adapt and organize for better care of all members sets an example for us.Application: Identify one practical way you can sh...  Read More

Devotional: Peter and John's bold witness shows us how community provides strength in the face of opposition. Their unity in prayer and proclamation demonstrates the power of standing together in faith. When threatened, they returned to their people and prayed together, showing us how authentic community becomes a source of courage. Application: Share a current challenge with your small group or a...  Read More

As we begin our journey through Acts, we witness the birth of the early church community. After Jesus' ascension, the disciples gathered together in unity, showing us that community begins with prayer and seeking God's will together.   Read More

Reading: Acts 1 Devotional: As we begin our journey through Acts, we witness the birth of the early church community. After Jesus' ascension, the disciples gathered together in unity, showing us that community begins with prayer and seeking God's will together. These early believers demonstrate the power of waiting on God's timing while remaining in fellowship.Application: Set aside time today to ...  Read More