READ
Acts 2:42-47
CONSIDER
Christian faith in a believer always begins with a personal journey. The way you were touched by God’s love and accepted Christ is unique from anyone else’s. But as soon as you accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour, you no longer walked alone. You are now a child of God. Salvation has come to you and I and all other believers. We are the community of faith in God. We are family. We are the body of Christ. We are the Church.
Acts 2:42-47 give us a beautiful picture of what church is about. Believers came together and devoted themselves to studying the apostles’ teaching, breaking bread, praying, worshipping and praising God every day. Knowing Christ had them fired up with joy and love, so much so that they met every day, sold their properties and shared everything in common. It shows us how believers’ faith is lived out with love in action. Consider how your faith in Christ has impacted your life and daily living? Is your every day run by your faith in Jesus? Do you let your days be filled with so much love and joy in the Lord that your love overflows to the people around you? What may be some the things that hinder you and I from being fired up like the early Christians?
Consider the self-giving, sharing, hospitality and charitable deeds of the believers of the early church. How would such life together impact the people around? Imagine what people would think about church when they see such faith and love in action. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47)
Come this Sunday and find out more about evangelism as opening our homes.
Deaconess Josephine Chow
PRAY
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love… Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:9-13)
May the Christ who walks on wounded feet walk with you on the road.
May the Christ who serves with wounded hands stretch out your hands to serve.
May the Christ who loves with a wounded heart open up your hearts to love.
May you see the face of Christ in everyone you meet,
And may everyone you meet see the face of Christ in you.
Amen
(A Celtic prayer)
DIVING DEEPER
Consider why believers of the early church shared everything, sold their properties and
possessions to give to those in need. What obstacles would they need to overcome in doing these things.
How does your faith affect the way you see your material possessions and wealth? What do you think God wants you to do with all that he has given you, your wealth, possessions, time, abilities and opportunities?
Consider the dynamics and challenge of evangelism as opening our homes.
From personal to communal, from witnessing alone to witnessing collectively, whether life in private or life in public, in church or at home, at work or at play, does your faith in Christ impact every aspect and all areas of your life so people can see Christ through you?
Are you bearing witness to Christ with consistency in every aspect of your life?
Identify any area of inconsistency and pray for authenticity and consistency in faith with your words and deeds.
A believer’s faith ignites the passion for a vibrant communal church life that gives rise to the outpouring of love and selfless giving that go beyond the walls of church. Examine your spiritual state and consider how you can commit more to church.