Acts 2:42-47
“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 belongings 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.”
Maybe you are like me. I can take a simple task and make it super complex. I can think about a situation or a task until it becomes complicated and confusing. I can do this with my walk with the Lord and my involvement in the church as well.
In our passage today, we get a picture of what the first gatherings of the early church looked like following Jesus’s death, resurrection and ascension. Thank goodness, this wasn’t complicated or confusing.
Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, he told the disciples “to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Thankfully, the disciples obeyed this command and the church was birthed. The details are found in Acts chapters 1-2. The disciples waited for the promised Holy Spirit to come and equip them with power. Almost immediately, three thousand individuals were added to the group of Jesus’s disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2:41).
This group of new believers (the 3000) then “devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching (Jesus’s life and ministry) and to the fellowship (the individuals that made up the church), to the breaking of bread (sharing fellowship meals and the Lord’s supper) and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). The outcome of their growing relationship with God made it possible for God to use them to meet the needs of others,“as any had need” (Acts 2:45). Then, God was glorified and more disciples were made.
This is such a good reminder for me to keep church simple. I am so thankful for Belmont’s simple mission! We are disciples who make disciples. We do this through living and loving like Jesus. I need to stay focused on being a disciple through spending time in the Word, prayer, worship and fellowship with other believers. Yes, it is about my relationship with God but that relationship with God should give me the desire to meet someone else’s needs. My relationship with God should make me more compassionate and sensitive to other people and their needs. When I notice a need, I can pray and ask God how he wants to use me. Maybe I need to pray. Maybe I need to give. Maybe I need to help. I can trust that God will use me to meet needs so He will be glorified through my actions and new disciples will be made.
Lord, please open my eyes to where I need to grow in my personal relationship with you today as I spend time in your Word. Please show me a need that I can meet today. Give our church opportunities to meet the needs of the hurting people in Calhoun so you will be glorified and more people will trust you as their Lord and Savior.
- [questions bulleted]
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
Enjoying Belmont Daily? Consider subscribing and never miss a post!
"This is where to put a quote from the devotional or passage (or questions area) that people can share on twitter"