Building a Holy Community Through Love and Surrender
Summary
Building a holy community is not about constructing bigger buildings or amassing more resources; it is about allowing Jesus to be built in and through us, uniting us in one heart, one mind, and one purpose. The early church, as described in Acts 4, was marked by radical generosity, intentional care for one another, unity, trustworthy leadership, and open-handed stewardship. These believers were not defined by their education or status, but by the undeniable fact that they had been with Jesus. Their lives were so transformed by their relationship with Christ that even their accusers could not ignore the difference.
This kind of community is set apart, holy, and distinguished by its love for others above self. The early Christians were known—even by secular observers—for their sacrificial care for the poor and the sick, often risking their own lives for the sake of others. Their unity was not superficial; it was rooted in a shared love for Christ and a willingness to value others above themselves. They understood that everything they had belonged to God and was to be used for His purposes.
But the foundation of such a community is not simply doing good deeds or trying harder to be generous. The root is a deep, personal encounter with Jesus—a love for Him that transforms the heart. Peter’s story illustrates this: after denying Jesus three times, he was restored not by being shamed, but by being asked three times, “Do you love me?” Jesus built Peter up, even in his failure, and called him to feed His sheep. This restoration was painful, as true encounters with Christ often are, because they reveal our brokenness and pride. Yet, it is in this place of humility and surrender that we are truly shaped into living stones for God’s kingdom.
To be part of a holy community means daily dying to self, letting pride be crucified, and allowing Jesus to be the cornerstone of our lives. It is not about our qualifications or our past, but about our willingness to love Christ above all and to let that love overflow to others. The call is simple but profound: Do you love Him? If so, let that love reorder your life, your priorities, and your relationships, so that together we become the holy community God is building on earth.
Key Takeaways
- Radical Generosity and Intentional Care
A holy community is marked by radical generosity and intentional care for one another. This means not just giving out of abundance, but sacrificially meeting the needs of others, even when it costs us. Such generosity flows from a heart that recognizes all we have belongs to God and is to be stewarded for His purposes, not our own comfort. [52:01]
- Unity Rooted in Christ, Not in Uniformity
True unity in the body of Christ is not about everyone being the same, but about being of one heart and mind, united by love for Jesus. This unity is forged when we value others above ourselves, set aside selfish ambition, and pursue the interests of others. It is a supernatural oneness that the world cannot manufacture, but which testifies to the reality of Christ among us. [52:43]
- Restoration Through Love, Not Shame
Jesus restores us not by shaming us for our failures, but by calling us back to love. Peter’s threefold denial was met with a threefold question: “Do you love me?” This encounter was painful, but it was also healing, showing that our failures do not disqualify us from being used by God. Instead, they can become the very place where His grace and strength are most evident. [01:10:08]
- The Painful Process of Becoming a Living Stone
To be part of God’s holy community, we must be willing to be chiseled and shaped, a process that often involves pain as our pride and self-sufficiency are confronted. The cornerstone—Jesus—was tested and rejected, and we too must be willing to die to self, allowing God to use even our failures to build something lasting. This is not a call to comfort, but to cruciform living, where our lives are aligned with the cross. [01:24:52]
- Daily Surrender and Reordering of Loves
Being part of a holy community is not a one-time decision but a daily surrender, a continual dying to self so that Christ may live through us. Our love for Jesus must be the root from which all our actions flow; otherwise, our efforts will be in vain. The question remains: Who is your cornerstone, and do you love Him enough to let Him reorder your life for His kingdom? [01:31:26]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[43:07] - The Call to Be Present
[44:24] - Peter’s Boldness Before the Sanhedrin
[45:14] - The Power of Jesus’ Name Under Pressure
[47:20] - What God Is Building: Not Buildings, But People
[48:43] - Lessons from Acts: Waiting and Blossoming
[49:32] - Defining Holy Community
[50:31] - The Miracle and Its Ripple Effect
[52:01] - Radical Generosity and Unity in the Early Church
[52:43] - The Distinction of the Early Christian Community
[58:41] - Open-Handed Stewardship
[01:10:08] - Peter’s Restoration: Do You Love Me?
[01:18:03] - The Strength Perspective: Building Up After Failure
[01:24:52] - The Pain of Being Chiseled: Becoming a Living Stone
[01:31:26] - Daily Dying to Self and the True Cornerstone
[01:33:36] - The Sure Foundation in Christ
[01:34:42] - Prayer for a Reordered Heart
[01:37:51] - Invitation to Make Jesus Lord
[01:39:24] - Call to Die to Pride and Join Holy Community
[01:40:26] - Commitment Prayer and Closing Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Building a Holy Community
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 4:11-13, 32-35
(Peter and John before the Sanhedrin; the early church’s unity and generosity)
- John 21:17-18
(Jesus restores Peter after his denial)
- Philippians 2:2-4
(Unity and valuing others above self)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 4:13, what surprised the religious leaders about Peter and John? What did they notice about them? ([44:24])
2. According to Acts 4:32-35, what were some specific ways the early believers cared for each other? ([52:01])
3. In John 21:17-18, how does Jesus restore Peter after his failure? What does Jesus ask Peter to do? ([01:10:08])
4. In Philippians 2:2-4, what does Paul say is the key to unity among believers? ([52:43])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says the early church was known for radical generosity and intentional care. Why do you think this kind of generosity was so important for their community? ([52:01])
2. The unity in the early church wasn’t about everyone being the same, but about being of “one heart and mind.” What does it look like for a group of very different people to be truly united in Christ? ([52:43])
3. Jesus restores Peter not by shaming him, but by asking, “Do you love me?” three times. Why do you think Jesus chose this approach, and what does it teach us about how God deals with our failures? ([01:10:08])
4. The sermon talks about the painful process of being “chiseled” into living stones for God’s kingdom. What does it mean for pride to be “crucified” in our lives, and why is this necessary for holy community? ([01:24:52])
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### Application Questions
1. The early church shared everything and made sure no one was in need. Is there a need in our group or community that you feel called to meet, even if it costs you something? What would it look like to give sacrificially this week? ([52:01])
2. The sermon challenges us to value others above ourselves. Can you think of a recent situation where you put your own interests first? How could you approach it differently next time? ([52:43])
3. Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” three times. If Jesus asked you that question today, what would your honest answer be? Is there an area of your life where your love for Jesus needs to grow? ([01:10:08])
4. The process of being shaped by God can be painful, especially when it means letting go of pride or comfort. Is there a specific area where you sense God is “chiseling” you right now? How can you surrender that area to Him? ([01:24:52])
5. The sermon says being part of a holy community is a daily decision, not a one-time thing. What is one practical step you can take this week to “die to self” and let Jesus be the cornerstone of your life? ([01:31:26])
6. The early Christians were known for caring for the poor and sick, even when it was risky. Is there someone in your life who needs care or encouragement, even if it’s inconvenient for you? How can you reach out to them this week? ([52:43])
7. The sermon asks, “Who is your cornerstone?” What is currently at the center of your life—your decisions, your priorities, your relationships? What would it look like to let Jesus truly reorder your life for His kingdom? ([01:33:36])
---
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus as the Cornerstone of Holy Community
God is not building a church of walls or wealth, but a living community founded on Jesus Christ, the cornerstone. The early church, though pressed and persecuted, stood boldly because their foundation was not in their own strength or status, but in the name above all names. When we are pressed, it is Jesus who holds us together and gives us courage to stand, just as Peter and John did before the Sanhedrin. The world may take note of our ordinary lives, but what sets us apart is that we have been with Jesus, and He is building His life in and through us. [47:20]
Acts 4:11-13 (ESV)
"This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to remember that Jesus—not your own abilities or resources—is your true foundation and source of courage today?
Day 2: Radical Generosity and Unity in Holy Community
A holy community is marked by radical generosity, intentional care, and unity of heart and mind. The early believers did not cling to their possessions but shared everything, ensuring no one was in need. Their unity was not superficial but rooted in a shared love and purpose, valuing others above themselves. This kind of community stands out in the world, not because of what it acquires, but because of how it gives, serves, and loves sacrificially, reflecting the heart of Christ to those around them. [52:43]
Acts 4:32-35 (ESV)
"Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need."
Reflection: Who in your community could you intentionally care for or share with today, even if it requires a sacrifice on your part?
Day 3: The Root of Holy Community—Love for Jesus
The fruit of a holy community—generosity, unity, care—flows from the root: a deep, honest love for Jesus. Before Peter could lead and serve, Jesus asked him three times, “Do you love me?” This question pierced Peter’s heart, reminding us that our actions must be rooted in genuine relationship, not mere duty. When we truly love Jesus, our failures and weaknesses do not disqualify us; instead, they become places where His grace and strength are revealed, and where our lives are transformed for His purpose. [01:22:25]
John 21:17-18 (ESV)
"He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, 'Do you love me?' and he said to him, 'Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.'"
Reflection: What is one area where you need to let Jesus’ love heal your past failures so you can serve others more freely?
Day 4: Dying to Self—The Cost of True Community
Being part of God’s holy community means daily dying to self and pride, allowing Jesus to shape and use us for His kingdom. Just as Peter was told he would stretch out his hands and go where he did not want to go, following Jesus requires surrender and sometimes pain, as our self-centeredness is chiseled away. This is not about seeking blessings for ourselves, but about letting our lives be aligned with the gospel, so that Christ’s love and purpose are lived out through us, even when it costs us our comfort or pride. [01:32:12]
Luke 9:23 (ESV)
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'"
Reflection: What is one specific way you can “take up your cross” and let pride die today, so that Jesus can live more fully through you?
Day 5: Jesus, the Precious Cornerstone—Our Security and Hope
Jesus is the precious cornerstone, the sure foundation on which we can build our lives without fear or panic. When we rely on Him, we are not defined by our successes or failures, but by His unshakable love and purpose. To be part of a holy community is to make Jesus our cornerstone, trusting that as we align our lives with Him, we will never be put to shame, and His kingdom will be established in and through us for His glory. [01:33:36]
Isaiah 28:16 (ESV)
"Therefore thus says the Lord God, 'Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: 'Whoever believes will not be in haste.''"
Reflection: Is Jesus truly the cornerstone of your life today, or are you building on something else? What would it look like to trust Him as your foundation in a practical way this week?
Quotes
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