How can we cultivate a community that balances reverence and openness to newcomers? Setting the Scene “ No one else dared to join them, even though the people held them in high esteem.” (Acts 5:13) Just after the sobering judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, Jerusalem’s onlookers sensed two things at once: God’s presence was undeniably holy, and His people were undeniably attractive. The church managed to radiate both reverence and welcome. Two Currents Flowing Together • Holy Fear – The seriousness of sin was unmistakable (Proverbs 9:10; Hebrews 12:28). • Honest Favor – Outsiders still spoke well of the believers and, in the very next verse, “more and more believers were brought to the Lord” (Acts 5:14). Awe did not cancel outreach. It purified it. Guarding the Awe • Keep God’s Word central (1 Timothy 4:13). When Scripture is read, explained, and obeyed, a wholesome weight settles on the room. • Cultivate lives that match the message (1 Peter 1:15-16). Personal holiness makes the community credible. • Practice loving correction (Matthew 18:15-17). Discipline, done humbly, reminds everyone that sin still matters. • Worship with God-centered focus (Psalm 96:9). Songs, prayers, and ordinances aimed at His glory foster reverence without gloom. Opening Wide the Door • Warm welcome: “Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ has welcomed you, in order to bring praise to God.” (Romans 15:7) • Clear gospel: Announce grace plainly (2 Corinthians 5:20). Holiness will not scare off seekers when the cross is front and center. • Tangible care: Meet practical needs (Galatians 6:10). Service softens hearts to the message. • Relational spaces: Homes, meal tables, and small groups let newcomers taste family before they sign the family name. Bringing the Two Together 1. Plan gatherings with both elements in mind. Start with God-exalting worship; end with intentional hospitality. 2. Train greeters and ministry leaders to combine warmth with truth. Smiles and Scripture belong together. 3. Share testimonies of transformed lives. They showcase mercy while underscoring God’s power. 4. Keep prayerful dependence public. Moments of silent awe followed by bold petitions teach fear and faith side by side. 5. Let the Lord’s Table illustrate the balance: solemn self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28) coupled with thankful celebration of grace. Snapshots from the Early Church • Acts 2:46-47 – Daily devotion and table fellowship “added to their number day by day.” • Acts 13:42-44 – Truth-filled teaching drew “nearly the whole city” to hear the word of the Lord. • 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 – Prophetic clarity made unbelievers “fall on their face and worship God, declaring that God is really among you.” Practical Takeaways for This Week • Examine ministry environments: What signals holiness? What signals welcome? Adjust where one side outweighs the other. • Model it personally: Approach corporate worship with expectancy and invite a neighbor to join you. • Celebrate small wins: A newcomer encouraged, a believer convicted—both are signs the balance is working. The first-century church’s mix of trembling and attraction is still possible. When God is taken seriously and His grace is offered freely, reverence draws, rather than drives away, those He is calling home. |
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