Totally Devoted – Acts chapter 2, verses 42 to 47
The recent sexual abuse scandals and Cardinal Pell’s conviction have caused shock and dismay to many. Even the word “church” upsets many.
Yet God brings us to faith in Christ. Then we come to see what “church” means.
When a person is converted to Christ what happens? Here in Acts chapter 2 we can see.
42 The believers studied what the apostles taught. They shared their lives together. They ate and prayed together. 43 Everyone was amazed at what God was doing. They were amazed when the apostles performed many wonders and signs. 44 All the believers were together. They shared everything they had. 45 They sold property and other things they owned. They gave to anyone who needed something. 46 Every day they met together in the temple courtyard. They ate meals together in their homes. Their hearts were glad and sincere. 47 They praised God. They were respected by all the people. Every day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved..
New International Reader’s Version (NIRV) Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Devoted to Learning Acts 2:42
The Holy Spirit opened a school in Jerusalem. It is not enough that He be there. These Christian Jews must now learn from His written Word, for so much had changed for them. They had so many questions such as “Must we still sacrifice?”
Devoted to Fellowship Acts 2:42-47
They were expressing a common life together. You can’t do that on your own! They “were together and had everything in common”. They gave to one another in need. You can’t be devoted to Jesus the head, and cut-off from the church, which is His Body. The church is people, not buildings, nor an institution.
Devoted to Worship Acts 2:42-47
3000 people worshipped together. They met in the Temple, and in their homes. They praised God with joy and with a sense of awe.
Devoted to Evangelism Acts 2:47
They had been added to the church, and not left to fend for themselves. Church took them in, loved them. They became like bricks cemented together in a house.
Points to ponder
Which of these 4 areas:
- Learning
- Fellowship
- Worship
- Evangelism
… is the strongest in our church and in your life?
Which do you and I most need to work on? How?