Signs of the King

Acts 2:37–47

When people heard Peter’s message, they felt moved to be baptized and to follow the teachings of the apostles. This led to a sense of unity and kindness among them, with more and more people joining them each day. This is what the church is meant to be – a place where God’s love lives, marked by genuine repentance, faith, and the undeserved gift of the Holy Spirit, which brings salvation. God’s love has the power to change us, even when we struggle with sin. This change is evident when we commit to teaching, creating community, showing compassion to others, sharing our faith, and worshipping God.

1. Teaching

A growing church understands that truth isn’t just a personal opinion. It’s shaped and changed by the teachings of the apostles and prophets. This commitment to truth requires active involvement, deep thinking, and wrestling with what it means for our lives. When we experience God’s presence, we develop a deep hunger for truth, which leads to a change that helps us understand God’s promises of love and protection. This is what makes a Christian and a church truly alive.

2. Community

Community is more than just sharing resources; it’s about opening our hearts to share our happiness, our mistakes, and our pain. This kind of growth challenges the American culture’s resistance to being held accountable and putting others first. True community, which goes beyond race, gender, or social status, is found in God’s presence, with our most important identity being in Christ.

3. Social compassion

The difference between real Christians and simply moral people is in their understanding of sin and grace. Real Christians admit they are sinful, even when they do their best, and rely completely on Jesus’s sacrifice. This understanding leads to a compassionate attitude towards those in need. On the other hand, moral people, who believe their own goodness earns God’s love, often lack empathy. This empathy is abundant in a community truly experiencing God’s presence.

4. Evangelism

The way the Christian community shines and takes responsibility, as shown in Acts, draws both admiration and persecution. A genuine Christian life can create a divide, attracting some while offending others. If Christians live authentically, the church will grow and face opposition at the same time, even in ordinary places like our workplaces.

5. Worship

Worship is a deep experience, marked by a blend of respect for and closeness with God, who reveals Himself to us together. A church that reflects God’s spirit must focus on teaching, fellowship, and prayer, as these things foster truth, joy, and outreach. The gospel’s purpose is not just to make life better; it enables us to meet God directly, encouraging us to create personal spiritual spaces where we can invite and experience His divine presence.