Week 4
The events that took place in the early days of the church, are recorded in the Book of Acts. This
is where we find out how God was working in their lives and how they were impacting the lives
of people around them. In this scripture passage, we get a clearer picture of what they did.
Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he 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.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he 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.
Life was good. They learned from the apostles – the 12 disciples who followed Jesus. Only
Judas was not with them, and they elected another person to replace him. God was doing
miraculous things through them. Not only by physically healing people, but how they were able
to share God’s love with each other and the people around them on a daily basis. They took care
of each other’s needs, ate together, hung out with each other, worshiped God together, and
encouraged each other. Soon, the outside world would begin to attack them. Yet, God would
provide for that need when it came. For now, they enjoyed each other’s presence and the good
will of the community.
This is partly due to the love which they shared with each other and those around them. This is what Jesus told them when he was with them.
This is partly due to the love which they shared with each other and those around them. This is what Jesus told them when he was with them.
John 13:34-35 (NIV)
34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
God is love. And when we are immersed in God’s love, we cannot help but share that love with
others. And the world will notice, because it is not used to seeing this kind of love lived out.
Some people will be attracted to this kind of love. Other people will reject this love and perhaps
us as well. That is why it is so important to remain immersed in God’s love and connected to
each other. This is what living in the Father’s house is about. Out of the strength of this love
and connection to each other, we can go into the world and share God’s love. This is how God’s
kingdom is built. God loves all his children and wants everyone to know this love. That is why
we are called to come and go.
Time of Prayer:
1) 1 min – What is God saying to me through this devotional?
2) 1 min – What am I going to do about it?
3) 1 min – What do I want to say to God?
4) 2 min – Listen for what God wants to say to you now.
Time of Prayer:
1) 1 min – What is God saying to me through this devotional?
2) 1 min – What am I going to do about it?
3) 1 min – What do I want to say to God?
4) 2 min – Listen for what God wants to say to you now.