FELLOWSHIP OF FAITH
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to be open to receive Your Word and apply it to my life today.
Read Acts 2:42–47
The Fellowship of the Believers
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.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
‘Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path’ (Psalm 119:105). ‘ Is God’s Word and teaching truly your light?What do you find most appealing about the description of this community of believers? The attention to the apostles’ teaching, the fellowship between the believers, the devotion to the breaking of bread, prayer, sharing, something else? There is so much here for us to learn from and apply. Communities such as this are unusual and uniquely associated with Jesus. They were also clearly good news to the surrounding city (47) – an embodiment of Matthew 5:14.
What do you find most challenging about this community of believers? Do you find one of these elements harder to be devoted to than others? Be honest with God about this. You are an important part of your local church and have a part to play in God’s purposes – there’s no such thing as a small contribution, nor insignificant person.
Whether your church is struggling or thriving, why not commit to praying for it to become more like the description of this fellowship of believers? On a regular basis, ask God to work on the different specific elements, and don’t forget to pray for salvation and for people to be added.
Apply
In addition to prayer, what is one thing you can do to support your church today? Send a note of encouragement to your pastor? Check on an elderly member? Volunteer in a ministry?
Closing prayer
Father, please work in my heart to conform me to the image of Your Son. Help me to serve wholeheartedly in Your church.
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