THE YOUNG CHURCH
ACTS 2:42- 44
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.
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The source of power unleashed on the day of Pentecost (vv. 1-4) will never fail. On the day the church was born, the greatest spiritual renewal in world history occcurred. The early church grew because, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, believers devoted themselves to four things:
1. The apostles teaching. A growing church is one that's grounded in God's Word.
2. Fellowship. These believers spent time together in corporate worship. They cared for each other.
3. The breaking of bread. Early believers ate and celebrated the sacrament of the Lord's Supper together. Each one shared his or her resources for the benefit of the group.
4. Prayer. These growing believers prayed together. Both personal and corporate prayer are crucial for spiritual growth. How does your church incorporate these activities into your congregational life? Or, to make it more personal, how much do you incorporate these activities into your own life? Think of some creative ways you can continue to pursue these four activities in your personal life, and ways you can encourage your pastoral staff as they carry these activities out in your own church life.
