Aligning Our Priorities

What Can We Learn from Acts Chapter 2?

A Community Devoted to Teaching, Fellowship, and Prayer

Acts 2:42-47 describes a community where believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, sharing meals, and prayer. This devotion led to a deep sense of awe, miraculous signs, and a generous spirit where everyone shared what they had. This kind of community is attractive to everyone, even those who may not yet follow Jesus.

Growth as a Byproduct of Right Priorities

The early church's growth was a byproduct of having the right priorities. They were committed to teaching, fellowship, and prayer, which created a life-giving community. As we move forward, we must ensure that our growth is also rooted in these core priorities.

The Message of Jesus as the Foundation

Jesus is the Messiah

In Acts 5:42, we see that the apostles were devoted to teaching and preaching the message that "Jesus is the Messiah." This message is the foundation of our faith and the hope we offer to the world. It's not about material wealth or personal success; it's about the hope found in Jesus.

The Challenge of Acts Chapter 6

As the church grew, so did its challenges. Acts 6:1-7 describes a moment of discontent and division among believers. The apostles responded by calling a meeting and delegating responsibilities, ensuring that their primary focus remained on prayer and teaching the Word.

Prioritizing Commitment, Mission, and Devotion

Commitment to the Body

A commitment to the body means being dedicated to one another as members of the body of Christ. This involves serving, giving, and praying for each other. We must recognize that we are all part of the body and have a role to play, whether visible or not.

Mission to Reach the Lost

Our mission is to reach the lost with the message that Jesus is the Messiah. This involves not just preaching but living out our faith in a way that attracts others to the hope we have in Jesus.

Devotion to the Lord

Devotion to the Lord means prioritizing our relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. This devotion fuels our commitment to the body and our mission to reach the lost.

Life Application

Serving

Everyone has both natural and spiritual gifts that God wants to use to strengthen His body. Serving is not just about filling a role; it's about contributing to the unity and growth of the church.

Giving

Financial giving is a tangible way to support the mission of the church. When we give generously, we enable the church to reach more people and meet more needs.

Praying

Prayer is a powerful way to support one another. We are all called to be priests in our own spheres of influence, praying for our friends, family, and neighbors.

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