TOPIC: A COMMUNITY OF PRAISE
Bible Text: Acts 2:37-47
“They praised God, and all the people liked them. More and more people were being saved every day; the Lord was adding those people to the group of believers.” Acts 2:47, NCV
MESSAGE
Praise singers are those who sing the praise of people they consider wealthy, influential and generous. Praise singers work hard to maintain their status by helping their benefactors gain public acceptance even when they are living in error. The result of human praise is often pride and destruction.
The coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples at Pentecost led to the birth of the community of faith, the Church. They were united in purpose, learned the apostles’ doctrine, prayed together, shared their belongings in love and broke bread in fellowship.
In addition, they were a community of praise, for in all they did God was joyfully praised among them. Through their praise, the people got attracted to the God they serve (vs. 47).
Unlike praise singers, the early believers genuinely praised God for the joy of salvation and His mighty presence and workings among them.
When believers give God praise from a pure and loving heart, it will attract the glory of God and bring sinners to Christ. Are you a praise singer or genuine worshipper? Long to sing praise to God daily and also sing His praise to people around you. Your praise can win others to Christ.
Insight: Praise singers seek human gain; genuine worshippers seek God’s glory.
Prayer: Father, let my life be an expression of Your praise as long as I live.
RBT Passage: Zephaniah 1-3