Thousands were turning their lives over to Jesus and being saved.  Thousands.  And what was their response?

1) They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching
2) They devoted themselves to the fellowship
3) They devoted themselves to the break of bread
4) They devoted themselves to prayer

There is power in these practices.  lt’s important that we are always growing in the Word and in the Lord and the foundation for that is sound, Biblical teaching.  The apostles taught the people the Word and today that happens in our churches and small groups.

Then there’s the devotion that comes to each other.  Honestly when I think of the structure of modern church, it does not facilitate much fellowship.  A person can walk in, listen, and walk out for years and never truly connect.  First century churches were much easier in that they met in each other’s homes for regular fellowship.

Then there’s the breaking of bread.  Nuanced here is when Jesus broke bread.  Also it carries in it the breaking of bread with one another in each other’s homes.  There’s something so special about gathering together in each other’s homes for meals, worshiping and praying together, and taking communion together.  It is the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus, remembering both his suffering and also remembering his raising from the dead in great victory.

Then there’s prayer.  Not just the 10 second prayer interspersed through the service.  Or a prayer service attended by a few.  But it’s the gathering of prayer that is fervent, that listens, and that corporately communes with God.  Some of the most. powerful times come through intentional, corporate, dedicated prayer.

These 4 pillars make a community of believers strong.  And the fruit is impressive as well.

Miracles, signs and wonders continued to happen as people were healed and delivered.  When there were physical needs, people sold their possessions to supply where there was lack to their brothers and sisters in Christ.  It was sacrificial giving.

They regularly met together in the temple courts.  And at the end of the day when they went home, they often ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of the people.  There was much joy.

It’s time to get back to all of it. Because this is how we become strong.