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“They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.”

Acts 2:42, WEBUS

Reflection

This is a great snapshot of the earliest Christians. They were devoted, focused on learning Christ’s way, and they intentionally shared life together which they often did over a meal and prayer. They reflected a unified community. Verses 46 and 47 of that same chapter says they participated with “gladness and singleness of heart, praising God”. Verse 47 goes on to say God “added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved”. In other words, they were growing quickly and consistently.

Today, our church houses are struggling. Statistics show that only 1 in 5 Christians attend church at least once a week and even fewer, 1 in 10 to be exact, attend Bible study that often. This level of engagement shows how different Christianity looks today than it did in the early church. It’s what’s led to our communities being weaker and converting fewer people to the faith. As Believers, we need to reclaim our identity as devoted, focused, and intentional followers of Jesus. Christ promised his presence in our fellowship. In Matthew 18:20 he said where two or three are gathered together in His name, He would be in the middle of them. That’s unity. So, let us spend time today recommitting ourselves to the community Christ started and regain the power that comes from having Christ at the center of our fellowship.

Prayer

God, thank you for giving us the gift of community. You designed us to walk this Christian path with other believers so we could grow, worship, and serve together. Stir in our hearts the same devotion the early believers had. Help us to hunger for your word, love your people, and desire to share life the way they did – with gladness and sincerity of heart. Remove anything in us that isolates, distracts, or divides us from the people you’ve called us to share life with. Make us a source of encouragement, unity, and strength in our communities. Be with us as we gather in your name and for your glory. In Christ Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Application Question

How can you become more engaged in your church community today?