Devotion and dedication
Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
The final verses in Acts Chapter 2 reflect a model Christian community of its time. There was a unity of believers that extended beyond the church and into home life. Meals were shared, resources were combined and distributed as needs arose, and Christians met daily in the temple courts for worship and for fellowship. This new movement tore down walls of economic disparity and created a community of believers and was a unique expression of love and faith in response to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
So, what does this mean for us today? If we are to model the early Church, what actions do we take?
We must make prayer a priority. In 1 Thess 5;16 we are told to pray without ceasing. Paul means simply to maintain an attitude of prayer. Let turning our face to God be our first response rather than our last resort.
We must read our Bibles daily, for to know God we must know His Word. The more I read God’s Word the more I want to read God’s Word.
We must attend church regularly. Entering into praise and worship and greeting brothers and sisters in Christ is vital in sustaining our faith. And hearing, not just listening, but absorbing a message delivered by a godly preacher is adding fuel to the fire of faith we have for God.
We must give a portion of our funds to the service of God. Never tithe before and not sure how to start? Begin giving a small amount, praying that God will enable you to give more and then being faithful to do so.
May we make a fresh commitment to grow our faith daily, sharing God’s love with all we meet.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, said the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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