And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. and the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
~Acts 2:42-47~
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We love to look at that last verse and get excited about the Lord adding believers to the early church day by day. God was doing a mighty work among those first Christians! But maybe we should take a look at the beginning of the passage for some clues about why God was working in and through them, and why people were being saved and joining them.
They devoted themselves to the faith - to the teaching from the Word, to prayer, and to being in community with other believers. God made his presence known among them in a powerful way because they were seeking him with all their hearts. They wanted to grow spiritually, and they were committed to doing the things that would draw them closer to the Lord.
We are fooling ourselves if we think our faith will grow if we aren't spending time in his word and in prayer. We are fooling ourselves if we think we can grow in Christ when we don't bother to participate in the church.
I suspect the early church faced many more hardships than most of us do, and they were often in real danger when they lived out their faith. But they sacrificed to provide for each other when there were needs, and they got together to worship and do life together every day. Many of us are just lazy, to be honest. Too lazy or too scared or too self-centered to show up to church even once or twice a week. Too lazy or too distracted to get into God's Word every day. Too lazy or too busy to help meet needs or meet for Bible study or meet for prayer.
I suspect the early church faced many more hardships than most of us do, and they were often in real danger when they lived out their faith. But they sacrificed to provide for each other when there were needs, and they got together to worship and do life together every day. Many of us are just lazy, to be honest. Too lazy or too scared or too self-centered to show up to church even once or twice a week. Too lazy or too distracted to get into God's Word every day. Too lazy or too busy to help meet needs or meet for Bible study or meet for prayer.
Lord, help us to do our part, to devote ourselves to the things that will promote our spiritual growth! Help us to watch expectantly for what you will do through us and among us when we get serious about living for you. And help us to always give you the praise and glory!
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These are motivating words. I attend church only sporadically. I usually go alone and I never feel as if I fit in.
ReplyDeleteI wish your experience could be different. Church can be a challenge for anyone, but especially for women alone.
DeleteStanding on my chair and cheering for your message! A faithful walk requires much perseverance...
ReplyDeleteSuch a good point, and a reminder to read in context.
ReplyDelete