Devotion

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 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, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Acts 2:42-47

 

 

What a rich passage of scripture this is.

It is filled with instruction and example of what we, the church, are to be.

But a key is held in verse 42.

There we find four ‘devotions’ of a believer and a church.

Devotion to:

The Word

The Fellowship

The Breaking of Bread

Prayer

It would certainly be difficult to expand on all these verses hold in this short blog

But don’t miss this point – it is only in fellowship with other believers that we can truly live out these verses.

The church helps to develop spiritual maturity in each of us.

Understanding, of course, that the ‘church’ is not a building or an address.

 ‘The ‘church’ is the gathered believers of a local assembly.

Only as I live out these verse within that context can I expect to go on to maturity.

Some would say – I don’t need others.

That is contrary to the truth of His word as we see above.

Don’t be misled and misguided in this.

We need one another.

No amount of denial will change that fact nor change the clear direction in His word.

When you forsake gathering with other believers you forfeit your chance to mature.

Fellowship with the family of God is not optional.

Just look again at the company it keeps – the Word, prayer and the breaking of bread.

Check your devotion.

Ask yourself – “What am I devoted too?”

Check your calendar and check your checkbook.

Too powerful indicators of your devotion!

More tomorrow…