"The church family is in the most important work in the world, and we are in it together with the Lord."
We often think of habits in a negative light. Smoking, profanity and poor dietary practices are often described in that way, but we can also cultivate good habits. The early church consistently engaged in studying the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer (Acts 2:42). It was a unique setting in Jerusalem that provided the right environment for the church to take root. It is also a good example for Christians who are seeking to develop a richer, fuller faith.
Jews from a wide variety of backgrounds had gathered for Pentecost when their beliefs collided with the truth about Jesus. Some of them had been agitators, or possibly participants in the crucifixion of the One who had come to save them. Peter’s message stung them all the way to their hearts, and they responded. This was new, and they were anxious to find out what it was all about. Are we that excited to gain a greater understanding of the Bible’s teachings? Growth
will never come without the word of God finding space in our hearts.
It is not good for people to be alone. That is the assessment of our Creator. We are community creatures. We have a need for fellowship, to know that we aren’t in this alone. The information that we gather through our study will send us in a different direction, and it is one that will clash with our culture. We need each other to be both encourager and encouraged. We will perpetually feel the pressure to conform to standards that are below ours. The church family is
in the most important work in the world, and we are in it together with the Lord.
Sundays are critical. We come together to begin a new week with an important remembrance. The Lord’s Supper, “breaking bread,” demonstrates our unity (1 Corinthians 10:17) and brings our Lord front and center to our thoughts (1 Corinthians 11:23-32). It is a time of remembering the covenant of which we are a part and reflecting on our individual lives. Condemnation is coming on the world someday, and communion is intended to save us from that fate. It is the
reason believers come together (Acts 20:7). Drifting from our anchor is much too easy, and nothing could be more important than beginning the week with a focus on Jesus.
Prayer has always been a central practice of God’s people. Daniel ended up in the lion’s den because he refused to stop. The early disciples continued to make that a part of their daily routine. “Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).” “Devote yourselves to prayer (Colossians 4:2).” The word of God consistently emphasizes the importance of spending time with our Father.
Study. Fellowship. Gathering with other Christians to share the Lord’s Supper. Prayer. Those were the habits of the first Christians. Are they ours? If we want to grow spiritually, they will be.
Call to Praise: Colossians 4:2-4
His word on it: 1 Thessalonians 5:25
Sermon: “Brethren, Pray for Us”