Luke 6:32-33 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
In times like these we need to hold fast to our faith in God not in mankind. Whoever believes in Jesus Christ and His work on the Cross will be saved. That is all we need to know for now. Evil will cease to exist when Christ returns. Until then we have Holy Spirit to guide us into the way of peace. His peace, not the false peace that the world offers. Blessed are God’s peacemakers!
Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Galatians 5:22-2 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control
Our prayers result in actions, good works, and are powerful for change! We will know other believers by the fruit that Holy Spirit cultivates in their lives. Carla
The gathered community listened to and followed the preaching and teaching of the twelve apostles from—and based on—the Scriptures (Acts 2:14–41; Luke 24:27). This could refer to participation in the Lord’s Supper, or to sharing in other meals together, as in Acts 2:46—the same language is used for each practice (Luke 22:19; Acts 20:7; 27:35; 1 Corinthians 10:16). It is highly likely that both are in view.
In Acts, prayer indicates dependence on God, hope in the future, and desire for the advancement of God’s work (Acts 1:24; 12:5; 14:23). Faithlife Study Bible
The response to Peter’s sermon was tremendous. Such impressive growth in the number of believers created additional needs and responsibilities. The apostles had the duty of training this large group and bringing them into fellowship with the other believers. This was a four-step process: (1) The new believers were to be trained in the apostles’ doctrine. Uniformity of belief concerning the person of Jesus Christ—based on the eyewitness testimony of His followers—was essential. (2) The new believers were to be trained in the fellowship of the church. The Greek word translated fellowship means sharing in the lives of other believers. (3) The new believers were to be trained in the breaking of bread, probably a reference to the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23, 24). Some believe this is a broader reference to the “love feast,” a meal of fellowship in the early church. (4) The new believers were to be trained in the discipline of prayer. Corporate prayers were viewed as an essential part of the spiritual growth of the church. The NKJV Study Bible
Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
Acts 2:46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
Acts 20:7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.
Luke 24:30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.
1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
William Sloane Coffin’s affirmation, “It is hope that helps us keep the faith, despite the evidence, knowing that only in doing so has the evidence any chance of changing.”
And yes, sometimes, hope is not easy. Because the real world can be a harsh and uncaring place. So, where do we go... when our world feels fractured or frightened or empty?
Maybe, just maybe, we
“Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in” Sabbath Moments”
Dear God,
may we find strength in each other,
courage in community,
and peace in the presence of love.
May those grieving be held gently,
and may we all be prepared
not just for disaster,
but for compassion, connection, and healing.
Amen.
Clint Hurdle
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