The Fellowship of the Believers, 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.”
This is one of my favorite passages of scripture because we see so much beauty and power in the way these believers lived loving God and each other. Let’s look at the way they lived and it will be an encouragement and refocusing for our lives with God and others.
This group of early believers had just seen the most extraordinary and powerful events in the days before, including 3,000 people becoming Christians. They continued in their faith by dedicating themselves to continuing and deepening their knowledge.
How can you dedicate yourself to obtaining a deeper knowledge of God this week?
They were absolutely not alone. Their lifestyle was one defined by sharing. They shared ups, downs, meals, responsibilities, and they shared a deep love for God. They were devoted to living in like-minded community.
How can you share your life with someone this week?
Breaking bread and prayer was a way that they remembered Jesus’ sacrifice together. They made it a point to be aware of what God had done for them. They devoted themselves to honoring and praising God in this way.
How can you choose to honor and praise God this week?
They did not feel apathetic towards the Lord, but they were in awe of Him. Their souls took a posture of worship and reverence as they lived this way.
Take time to reflect and journal on all that God has done for you.
Seeing evidence of God’s power and goodness all around them through signs and wonders was a part of life because they were devoting life to God. They were ready and pure vessels, so God was working through and amongst them.
Pray that God would use you for His will and works.
They continued a life of sharing and togetherness. They practiced selflessness and serving for the sake of those in need. The things they owned did not matter as much as loving those in need as Jesus would.
What can you give to those in need this week?
It was part of their every day to attend the temple together and share a meal together. Their hearts were open to God and each other. Their homes were a place of fellowship and community. It was a daily rhythm of life to worship and dine together.
Who can you share a meal with this week?
Their hearts were not selfish and rushed or unsatisfied and striving, but glad and generous. Even simply at a meal time, there was evidence of their hearts being delighted and selfless.
How is your heart? Pray God would strengthen your heart to be glad and generous this week.
Praising God was just what they did. Blessing and honoring the Lord was a habit and routine they carried through each moment of their day. They did not have hostility with people, they enjoyed favor together. Their eyes and hearts were fixed on the right thing: giving God praise.
Spend time reflecting and praising God for who He is.
They were obedient and faithful to God, and God brought fruit. They simply lived in awe of God and selflessly loved each other, and God was the one who added to their number.
Pray that God would add day by day people being saved in Forsyth County.
