Message Recap:
This message challenges us to embrace what it truly means to be the
church - not just a building or institution, but a called out community of God’s people. We learn that being the church involves both joyful confession of faith in Jesus as the living Messiah, as well as vulnerable confession of our sins and struggles with one another. The story of Peter’s confession and the early church in Acts 2 provides a powerful model of the intimate fellowship and sacrificial commitment God desires for his family. As we boldly share our lives together and spur one another on in the faith, we experience the healing, accountability and encouragement that comes from authentic Christian community.
Devotional Guide:
Day 1 - Being a Confessional Community - Matthew 16:13-20, Philippians 3:20, Ephesians 2:19
Begin by reading the scripture passages. In Matthew 16, Jesus asks His disciples who they say He is. Simon Peter answers, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” This confession is profound and foundational for the church.
Reflect on how the church is a confessional community. The Greek word “ekklesia” means a gathering of called-out people, not a physical building. The church is built upon the confessions of faith by its members.
Think about your personal confession of faith. When did you first acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of the living God? How has that confession transformed your life?
Prayer Points:
Pray for the courage to continually confess your faith in Jesus.
Ask God to help you understand the depth of being part of His called-out community.
Confess any areas where you might have strayed from this understanding.
Action Step: Journal about your initial confession of faith. Write down the emotions and transformations that occurred during that period. If you’ve never made that confession, consider writing a prayer today acknowledging Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
Day 2 - Confessing Our Sins - Matthew 18:15-20, James 5:16
Today’s focus is on the aspect of confessing our sins within a supportive community. In Matthew 18, Jesus describes a process for dealing with sin among believers. It’s a process rooted in love and the desire for reconciliation.
James 5:16 highlights that confessing our sins to one another brings healing. Reflect on the importance of vulnerability and honesty within your faith community.
Consider any unconfessed sins or struggles you have been carrying. Think about how confession could lead to freedom and healing.
Prayer Points:
Ask God for forgiveness for specific sins you have committed.
Pray for the courage to confess these sins to a trusted brother or sister in Christ.
Pray for the strength to be a supportive, non-judgmental listener if someone confesses their struggles to you.
Action Step: Identify a trusted person in your faith community (a mentor, pastor, or close friend) and share one area of struggle with them. Ask them to pray for you and hold you accountable.
Day 3 - Living as a Committed Community - Acts 2:42-47
Acts 2 provides a beautiful picture of the early church community. They committed themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared everything in common and supported one another’s needs.
Reflect on the level of commitment described in these verses. How does it compare to your current level of commitment to your faith community?
Think about ways you can increase your commitment to God and His people. This might involve more consistent prayer and Bible study, sharing your resources, or being more present in the lives of others.
Prayer Points:
Pray for a deeper commitment to God’s word and to prayer.
Ask God to show you specific ways you can support and share with your faith community.
Pray for unity and love to permeate your faith community.
Action Step: Choose one tangible way to show your commitment to your faith community this week. This could be inviting someone over for a meal, volunteering your time, or sharing resources with someone in need. Document what you did and reflect on how it impacted your sense of community.