They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. Acts 2:42-43 Let's grab hold of the attitude and devotion of the early disciples and continually devote ourselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. In this drive-through, mobile society, it is easy to disconnect from others. But the discipline of staying connected in the local church will sustain you when the elation of fun times fades away.

There's a lot of good preaching on TV, but nothing can substitute for the iron-sharpening-iron effect of face-to-face fellowship with other believers.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25
As we obey God by drawing together and refuse to isolate during struggles, life-giving power is made available. The early disciples saw results from staying connected in the Body: Miracles took place and people got saved!

Jesus revolutionized the world. He came, destroyed the work of the devil and set captives free, bringing people back into fellowship with God (Luke 4:18). The Spirit-Filled Life Bible comments on kingdom culture in Matthew 11:12: "The kingdom of heaven, which Jesus set up as a powerful movement or reign among men, requires of them an equally strong and radical reaction. The violent then who take it by force are people of keen enthusiasm and commitment . . ."

As we fervently devote ourselves to Jesus and the kingdom He has set in place, we will see the power of God operate in our daily lives, and the Lord will add to our number day by day those who are being saved (Acts 2:47).

Press On,
Pastor Jeff




© 2007 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Reference from the New Spirit-Filled Life Bible. Copyright 2002 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.