Monday, February 9, 2015

What Should We Devote Ourselves to?

- There are four elements that are vital for church growth and individual spiritual growth: studying and applying God's Word, having fellowship with other believers, receiving the Lord's supper (in remembrance of Christ's death for our sins), and praying. These bring about unity among brothers and sisters in Christ and draw unbelievers to Christ. The early Church set up an example for what Christian churches and Christian individuals ought to do.
- The apostles' teaching--The early Christians grew in knowledge of the truth by steadfastly attending to the Apostles' teaching which is the same with the teachings of Christ. 
Fellowship is brothers and sisters in Christ (the Body of Christ) doing life together and sharing with one another. The early Christians met together, ate together, worshiped God together, and took care of one another's needs. Fellowship helps us strengthen and build one another up in the faith. "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)
- Breaking of bread--This may refer to sharing meals or partaking in the Lord's supper. 
- Prayers--The early Christians recognized the importance of prayer (privately and publicly), their need for God's help. Want revival? Be people of prayer! "Pray continually!" (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
"I have never met anyone who spent time in daily prayer, and in the study of the Word of God, and was strong in faith, who was ever discouraged for very long." (Billy Graham)







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