Acts 4:32-37 (NIV)
Read by: Ginger Montalvo
What would it look like if the community that you belong to was filled with the Holy Spirit?
For many of us, what comes to mind when we think about the Holy Spirit, what comes to mind is speaking in tongues, prophetic words, visions and dreams, or healing miracles. Those things are definitely a part of the way that the Holy Spirit shows up in power in the world today, but there are things the Holy Spirit does in our midst that we often don’t attribute to the Him.
Today’s passage gives us a picture into the early community of Jesus followers who were empowered by the Holy Spirit. Even though it’s a short passage, we could spend a lifetime looking for and emulating this kind of community. As we prepare to listen to today's passage, we understand that each of us is coming from a different place in terms of our sense of connection to a community of Jesus’ people. Some of us might find ourselves really grateful for our community, some of us might be pretty discontent right now. Some of you might have been in your community for many years, and some of you might not be connected to a community.
Wherever you are, allow this passage to inform your longing and your prayers for living life in a community of folks who are empowered by God and coming together to create space for God to dwell in their midst.
----------REFLECT----------
1. What part of this passage stood out to you as the most appealing?
2. This early Jesus-shaped community was unified, they shared, they were honest with each other, and they continued on in the work they were called to. These first followers teach us that the Spirit's work in a community ought to produce Reconciliation, Justice, and Hospitality. In what way have you experienced this fruit of the Spirit in your community?
3. Many of us have experienced disappointment at the hands of our Christian communities. We’ve not seen reconciliation, justice, and hospitality. Rather we’ve seen and experienced brokenness, abuse of authority, and exclusivity. It’s okay to be disappointed, bring that to the LORD honestly today.
----------GO DEEPER----------
Bible Project: Acts 1-12 Overview >>
Bible Project: Holy Spirit >>
InterVarsity Press Selections: Acts >>
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