Together
Background Story: The book of Acts is about the birth and growth of the Church. As we read the book of Acts, we should realize that Jesus is still writing the story of the Church and we are part of the work He is doing until He returns.
Read Acts 2:42-47
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Big Idea: Surround yourself with Christian community.
Alone.
Satan wants up to remain alone and isolated from Christian community. Like a sheep separated from the heard, a solo sheep is easier to pick off. How can we combat this tactic by the enemy?
(1) Confess your sin one to another (James 5:16). We all sin and fall short. Attempting to hide our sin from God and others stunts our spiritual growth and creates distance between us and God. So find a trustworthy Christian friend, counselor, or leader and share your struggles. This is the path to freedom!
(2) Encourage each other (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Everyone deals with discouragement from time to time, but the cheerful encouragement of a Christian friend can lift the heart. They can remind us of how far God has brought us already and encourage our heart to walk in faith in the present!
(3) Grow together (Proverbs 27:17). All of us are in process of becoming more like Jesus. As each of us seek Him individually, He will reveal truth that we can in turn speak to others. This truth dispels the lies of the enemy and gives us wisdom in our thoughts, words, and choices.
(4) Serve together (Hebrews 10:24). We have all been given unique talents and gifts from God. As we serve with other believers, our gifts are used to shine Jesus like a beacon of hope in the darkness. As you share these experiences with your brothers and sisters in Christ, a bond is created like none other as He uses you together for His divine purpose!
Takeaway Verse:
Song For Today:
Looking For More?
Similar Devotions: What is a Follower?, Stuck Like A Roomba, Nothing is Wasted, Eyes Opened, Orange Sherbet, Simon Says, Swimming Upstream, The Recipe for Sin
