The Holy Spirit was poured out on the Day of Pentecost and 3,000 people were saved. Now those new believers needed to be made into disciples. This began to happen in laboratory of community.

That first Jerusalem community of disciples became a compelling group. As the citizens of Jerusalem observed how these new disciples lived, they were drawn to their ranks like a magnet. It says in Acts 2:47, “the Lord added to the community daily those who were being saved.”

What made those first disciples so magnetic? The power the Holy Spirit in their midst. What began on the Day of Pentecost continued. It says in Acts 2:43 that “many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.” These wonders and signs authenticated their witness and convinced their hearers that they were speaking the words of God.

Another reason that community was so compelling was their love for one another. Yeshua said, “they will know you are My disciples, if you love one another.” Their love for one another was manifested as they welcomed each other into their homes and as they shared with each member in need. (Acts 2:44-46) That kind of love (?) is always magnetic.

But there’s another reason why that first Jerusalem congregation was so compelling. In verse 47 of that passage it says that they were “praising God and having favor with all the people.” Praise and worship is not only a testimony of our passion for God, but it also provokes unbelievers to jealousy. You see, every man, woman, boy and girl was created with a God-shaped vacuum and an innate need to fill that vacuum. Every human being was born to praise the Lord. So when people hear the sounds of praise going up, they are compelled to join in too. Every Sunday evening we have people who come into our sanctuary because they are drawn by the sounds of praise and worship.

Our vision is to be a compelling community that draws others to the Messiah. So let’s keep depending on the Holy Spirit and allow His gifts to operate in our gatherings. Let’s keep loving one another. And let’s keep worshipping the Lord passionately in Spirit and in truth.