Friday, January 13, 2017

Sharing in God's New Community

Creation: A Divine Cycle
Praise from and for God's Creation


Praise God the Provider

Acts 2:37-47. The Message

37 Cut to the quick, those who were there listening asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers! Brothers! So now what do we do?”
38-39 Peter said, “Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites.”
40 He went on in this vein for a long time, urging them over and over, “Get out while you can; get out of this sick and stupid culture!”
41-42 That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.
43-45 Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.
46-47 They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.

For Reflection
Being part of a community of believers is essential to spiritual growth. Through the community of God worshipers, one reinforces the commitment which was implied in one's baptism.  The church community provides a safe loving environment for learning, confession, and repentance.  In the community of believers, we learn to trust God and to take responsibility for our actions.  In the community of believers, we learn to forgive and love unconditionally. It is the community of believers that beckons the world to worship God and dwell in God's household.

Pray
Pray for the mission of the church universal.   Pray that all people will accept the overture to become God's people.  Pray for all the communities who pray in God's name that they will be true to the word of God.

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