Daily Devotionals

X Factor of Friendship Week 3: Thursday

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer. Acts 2:42

We are all devoted to something. We can be devoted to the people in our lives, our careers, our hobbies, and many other things. What we are devoted to shows others many things about us. It shows what we prioritize, what we value, and what we love. Our devotion provides a window into what is most important to us. The same is true for the early church. Today, we will get a glimpse into what the early church devoted itself to and be inspired to follow its example.

When describing the early church, Luke, the writer of the book of Acts, said, "All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper) and to prayer" (Acts 2:42). The apostles' teaching was teaching that had been revealed to them from Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The fellowship they devoted themselves to was rooted in love and devotion to Christ, which is why they shared the Lord's Supper. The early church members were devoted to the things that matter for eternity. They were eager to learn and grow in community and their relationships with God. This devotion to God and the things of Him must have catapulted their faith and led to exponential growth. After all, when we devote ourselves to God and the things of Him, we grow. 

The early church was devoted to teachings from the apostles, gathering together, and prayer. What are you devoted to? If you need help determining what you are devoted to, examine what you spend your time doing and what consistently occupies your thoughts and attention. Our actions point to what we are devoted to. Luke wrote that the early church was devoted to teaching, fellowship, and prayer because he saw the early church members consistently listening to the apostles' teaching, gathering together, and praying. Their devotion is an example for us. Like the members of the early church, we can devote ourselves to teachings from Scripture, gathering with our communities of believers, and praying. As we devote ourselves to these things, we grow. We become stronger in our relationships with God and each other. 

Moving toward action

When you think about what the disciples were devoted to, listening to teaching, gathering together, and praying, which comes most naturally to you? Which area do you want to grow in the most? Then, think about one way to grow in that area, and take that step starting today! 

Going Deeper

Going Deeper - Romans 16:1-16

"I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God's people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.

3 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. 4 In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. 5 Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.

Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. 6 Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.

10 Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves. And give my greetings to the believers from the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet the Lord's people from the household of Narcissus. 12 Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord's workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me.

14 Give my greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who meet with them. 15 Give my greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and to Olympas and all the believers who meet with them. 16 Greet each other with a sacred kiss. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings."