How can we cultivate "a sense of awe" in our church community today? Anchoring Awe in God’s Word Acts 2:43: “A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs.” • The “sense of awe” is not manufactured emotion; it is the natural response when God’s people recognize His real, present activity among them. • “Awe” (Greek: phobos) describes reverent fear—deep respect that stirs worship, obedience, and wonder. • Scripture elsewhere calls God’s people to live in this posture: “Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere Him” (Psalm 33:8). Cultivating Awe through God-Centered Worship • Keep corporate worship saturated with Scripture—read, sung, prayed, preached (Colossians 3:16). • Prioritize lyrics and liturgy that magnify God’s holiness, majesty, and saving work (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). • Guard against performance mentality; lead the congregation to behold, not merely attend. Persistent, Expectant Prayer • The Acts 2 church “devoted themselves…to prayer” (v. 42). Awe rises when people regularly ask God to move and then watch Him answer (Jeremiah 33:3). • Encourage participation in gathered prayer meetings; share answered prayers publicly to reinforce expectancy. Faith-Filled Teaching and Preaching • Proclaim the whole counsel of God with confidence in its absolute truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Highlight the miraculous works of God in Scripture as historical facts, not allegories. • Call listeners to personal response, reminding them that the same God still acts today (Hebrews 13:8). Testimonies of God’s Present Work • Provide space for believers to recount recent “wonders and signs” the Lord has done: salvation stories, healings, providential interventions (Psalm 66:16). • Record and distribute these testimonies so the congregation remembers and retells God’s deeds (Joshua 4:6-7). Practicing Genuine Fellowship • Acts 2:44-46 shows awe flourishing alongside shared lives, meals, and resources. • Small groups or home gatherings foster transparency and mutual encouragement, making God’s grace tangible (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Meet practical needs sacrificially; such love displays the Gospel’s power (John 13:35). Pursuing Holiness and Repentance • Awe fades when sin is tolerated. Regularly preach repentance and provide avenues for confession and accountability (1 John 1:9). • Celebrate the Lord’s Table thoughtfully, examining hearts so the sacred does not become routine (1 Corinthians 11:26-29). Serving in the Power of the Spirit • The apostles’ wonders were Spirit-empowered (Acts 2:4; 4:31). Encourage every believer to seek and use Spirit-given gifts for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). • Expect God’s supernatural enabling in evangelism, mercy, and discipleship; awe grows when ministry clearly surpasses human ability. Living with Eternal Perspective • Regularly remind the church that we await “a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28-29). • Teach on Christ’s return to nurture reverent anticipation and steadfast hope (Titus 2:13). Simple Next Steps • Begin services with a brief Scripture that exalts God’s character. • Schedule a monthly testimony segment. • Launch a mid-week prayer gathering focused on specific requests and expectant thanksgiving. • Encourage fasting as a community discipline when seeking God’s direction. • Provide biblical resources on holiness and spiritual gifts for small-group study. As God’s people treasure His Word, pray earnestly, love sacrificially, and walk in the Spirit, Acts-style awe will once again “come over everyone,” and Christ will be lifted high in the church and in the world. |
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