by Jim Wise
Vs. 37 says, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." This group of new believers in the Lord Jesus Christ didn't have a name for themselves but spoke of Christ being in them. They later came to be called “the way” and “christians”. This diverse group of humans became one in Christ.
The emphasis of the verses is on being devoted to listening to accurate preaching of God's word, fellowship of believers, eating together and prayer. A strong vital church puts emphasis on gathering together to hear solid teaching from the scriptures and straying from that leaves only an empty shell of a church.
Through fellowship, the various parts of the body of Christ come together to create an energized body that can be a light and influence in the world for Christ. Being "devoted" meant that they were "all in" and fully committed to living and spreading the gospel message. By the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in each of them, these early Christians (as are we today) are drawn together in fellowship despite their human differences. The early church's strengths were the growing numbers of believers and their coming together to hear the word, fellowship and pray together. They became one in Christ and began to reflect Him in their thoughts and actions to those around them. It should be the same today and that is the purpose of CrossTalk.
Vs. 37 says, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." This group of new believers in the Lord Jesus Christ didn't have a name for themselves but spoke of Christ being in them. They later came to be called “the way” and “christians”. This diverse group of humans became one in Christ.
The emphasis of the verses is on being devoted to listening to accurate preaching of God's word, fellowship of believers, eating together and prayer. A strong vital church puts emphasis on gathering together to hear solid teaching from the scriptures and straying from that leaves only an empty shell of a church.
Through fellowship, the various parts of the body of Christ come together to create an energized body that can be a light and influence in the world for Christ. Being "devoted" meant that they were "all in" and fully committed to living and spreading the gospel message. By the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in each of them, these early Christians (as are we today) are drawn together in fellowship despite their human differences. The early church's strengths were the growing numbers of believers and their coming together to hear the word, fellowship and pray together. They became one in Christ and began to reflect Him in their thoughts and actions to those around them. It should be the same today and that is the purpose of CrossTalk.