The Stockdale Paradox - “This is a very important lesson. You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end—which you can never afford to lose—with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.”

Acts 2:42-47 - “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Koinonia – 1: the Christian fellowship or body of believers; 2: intimate spiritual communion and participative sharing in a common religious commitment and spiritual community.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER.

• Are we willing to confront the brutal facts while simultaneously holding onto hope and a belief that we will prevail in the end?

• Do we want to follow the example given us in Acts 2:42 of devoting ourselves to the apostles teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer?

• And, do we want to commit to a presence in this community for the glory of God and the expansion of His kingdom?