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They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Acts 2:42).
Have you made any resolutions for this New Year? So far, how are you doing with them? If your resolutions aren’t going well or even if they are, consider having some spiritual goals for this year. If you didn’t make any resolutions, that’s OK. You can still purpose to have some personal spiritual goals.
The spiritual priorities of the early church still apply to the 21st century church. Acts 2:42 can be used as a model.
Devoting themselves to the apostle’s teachings.
Make an effort to spend more time reading and studying the Bible. On a daily basis, in a fallen world, you will encounter deception. Knowing God’s Word will help you not to be easily deceived.
Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited (Hebrews 13:9).
Fellowship
Take some time during the week to meet with other followers of the Lord Jesus.
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near (Hebrews 10:23-25).
Breaking of bread
The Lord’s Supper and meals with other believers.
The Lord’s Supper can be celebrated outside of a church building. And you can encourage other believers by sharing meals together.
46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:46, 47).
Prayer
Talking to God is a privilege you can be involved in outside of church too.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).
Here are a few additional personal action steps to consider:
- Join a small group at church.
- Join or start a Bible study.
- Invite other believers for a meal in your home or treat them to a restaurant outing.
- Get together with several other people to pray.
In 2024, purpose to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Peter 3:17-18).
Bible verses are from The New American Standard Bible, 1995.
Pastor Cecil Price
January 14, 2024