Acts 2:42-47 (NRSV)
Read Acts 2:42-47 on biblegateway.com
Verse 42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Verse 43Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. Verse 44All who believed were together and had all things in common; Verse 45they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Verse 46Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, Verse 47praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Devotion
It's a mission developer's dream, to be asked to write devotions for your alma mater, and then get Acts 2 for your first scripture reading. When I was called to start a new church, now 11 years ago, this is what I dreamed of—that each day "the Lord would add to our numbers." Not for the sake of seeing our congregation grow—although that is exciting—but for the sake of seeing God at work transforming lives, and through that transforming our community.
Do you dream of this? Do you wonder what it would look like to see the church grow today? Do you pray for courage and boldness to share your faith story with one other person who may desperately need to hear it? It is amazing to see how God works through us to invite others into a faith community!
Prayer
Awesome God, fill us with awe for you and give us the boldness to share our story of faith with another. In Jesus' name. Amen.