The Shape of a Healthy Church
The Shape of a Healthy Church
Tuesday
"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."
— Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)
— Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)
Reflect:
Three thousand people were converted in a single day, and the very next thing recorded is not a building campaign but a list of devotions. Teaching, fellowship, the table, and prayer. Everything else the church would ever do grew out of those four roots.
Look at the phrase "glad and generous hearts." The Greek behind "generous" carries the idea of simplicity, an uncomplicated openness. These were not people carefully calculating how much of their lives they could keep private. Their homes were open, their tables were full, and their possessions were held loosely.
Then look at the last line. The Lord added to their number. Growth was God's work, not a marketing result. Our job is devotion; His job is increase. That order relieves an enormous amount of pressure and removes every excuse.
Three thousand people were converted in a single day, and the very next thing recorded is not a building campaign but a list of devotions. Teaching, fellowship, the table, and prayer. Everything else the church would ever do grew out of those four roots.
Look at the phrase "glad and generous hearts." The Greek behind "generous" carries the idea of simplicity, an uncomplicated openness. These were not people carefully calculating how much of their lives they could keep private. Their homes were open, their tables were full, and their possessions were held loosely.
Then look at the last line. The Lord added to their number. Growth was God's work, not a marketing result. Our job is devotion; His job is increase. That order relieves an enormous amount of pressure and removes every excuse.
Pray:
Father, make my heart glad and generous. Guard me from a private, calculating faith. Root me in Your word, Your people, Your table, and Your presence, and let the increase be Yours. Amen.
Father, make my heart glad and generous. Guard me from a private, calculating faith. Root me in Your word, Your people, Your table, and Your presence, and let the increase be Yours. Amen.
One Question to Carry:
Of the four devotions in verse 42, which one is weakest in my life right now, and what is one specific thing I will do about it this week?
Of the four devotions in verse 42, which one is weakest in my life right now, and what is one specific thing I will do about it this week?
Posted in Unstoppable - Acts 1-17
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