Continually Devoting
In my sermon, yesterday, I mentioned that the phrase “continually devoting” only occurs ten times in the New Testament. I mentioned that out of the ten times this phrasing occurs, six times are connected with prayer and two times this phrase is connected with the ministry of the Word. Here are the ten Scriptures that use the phrase “continually devoting”…
Mark 3:9; Acts 1:14; 2:42, 46; 6:4; 8:13; 10:7; 12:12; 13:6 and Colossians 4:2
I would encourage you to read each passage in context and see how you understand the idea of “continually devoting” ourselves.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
On Sunday, we talked about what a healthy church looks like. Since the church is not the building but the people, let me recommend a book written by Thabiti M. Anyabwile entitled, “What is a Healthy Church Member?
Anyabwile suggests that there are 10 marks of a healthy church member:
MARK 1: A HEALTHY CHRISTIAN IS AN EXPOSITIONAL LISTENER
MARK 2: A HEALTHY CHRISTIAN IS A BIBLICAL THEOLOGIAN
MARK 3: A HEALTHY CHRISTIAN IS GOSPEL SATURATED
MARK 4: A HEALTHY CHRISTIAN IS GENUINELY CONVERTED
MARK 5: A HEALTHY CHRISTIAN IS A BIBLICAL EVANGELIST
MARK 6: A HEALTHY CHRISTIAN IS A COMMITTED MEMBER
MARK 7: A HEALTHY CHRISTIAN SEEKS DISCIPLINE
MARK 8: A HEALTHY CHRISTIAN IS A GROWING DISCIPLE
MARK 9 A HEALTHY CHURCH MEMBER IS A HUMBLE FOLLOWER
MARK 10: A HEALTHY CHRISTIAN IS A PRAYER WARRIOR
Read the book and tell me what you think.
WEDNESDAY
Questions About Acts 2:42-47
1. What principles can we learn from the fellowship of the early Church?
2. How did the early Church's approach to material possessions demonstrate their faith and unity?
3. How does the community life of the early Church challenge contemporary Christian community practices?
4. In what ways do you feel called to share your resources with those in need, following the example of the early Church?
5. In what ways can you incorporate the practices of teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer into your daily life?
6. How does the unity and generosity of the early Church challenge our understanding of Christian community?
7. How can you create a sense of welcoming and openness in your community, reflecting the inclusivity of the early Church?
8. How does the growth of the Church in Acts 2 challenge your perception of the Church's role in society today?
THURSDAY
Most of the stories we told our children at bedtime began with the words “Once upon a time.” Our children loved the “Once upon a time” stories. John begins his Gospel with “In the beginning…” This sure sounds a lot like Genesis 1:1 where it also says, “In the beginning…” And unlike the children’s stories, which were made up stories, what follows “In the beginning…” is very true. I would encourage you to read John 1:1-3 in preparation for Sunday’s sermon.