“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city”  (Acts 1:12).

My goodness, thank God they returned to Jerusalem. These disciples were without a choice. When you cannot find direction in life, you return to your point of reference. The point of reference was Jerusalem. Jesus told them to return. They had no choice. It was only 1/4 mile from the Mt. of Olives to the city. The account in Acts then names those who returned, around 20 in all.

What they did is very important to us. They went into prayer. Why not? You have just lost your leader, the Roman soldiers are looking  for you and you are in a hostile city. The thing to do is to pray.

Acts 1:14 says, …” they continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.” By the way, supplication is prayer that knocks, prayer that insists.  Notice here that the women were present. Do not forget the women. Verse 13 names the apostles, but there is no mention of the women until verse 14.

What interested me comes in verse 15. It gives the account of what Peter was doing on the side. He quickly formed a Bible study with about  120 others in the city. Everybody else stayed with the group of 20. But, Peter started a Bible study by himself.  Really, Peter became an apostle when he started this new group. He had no choice either. I believe the reason they had to return to Jerusalem was because the Holy Spirit had work for them to do. People were waiting on them to get out of hiding.

Community was formed. Noticed that everyone came into community and became part of the kingdom of God in the earth. The numbers of the early church were 120 from the city and 20 among the disciples, including Mary and the brothers of Jesus; not more than 150 in all.  This happened because they RETURNED TO JERUSALEM.

Returning to Jerusalem made it possible for community to begin. After Pentecost, God used them to form a group of thousands.  Are you aware that without  community, you are not going to find the kingdom? Some of you are lonely out there, looking for God.  You will FIND GOD IN COMMUNITY!

We are opening several BIBLE STUDIES - COMMUNITY STYLE.  Every Tuesday we meet at 7:00 pm at 1100 Ramser Drive, Bogart, Georgia. Every Thursday we meet in Atlanta at a location (to be announced) beginning August 6th. One Tuesday of every month, we are to meet in Madison, Florida, downtown location to be announced. God is opening COMMUNITY MEETINGS EVERYWHERE.

We want you to be a part of our community. ALSO….. DO NOT FORGET to come to the “REKINDLE THE FLAME” CONFERENCE- Athens, GA – AUGUST  13-14-15, 2009.

Rick Bonfim