“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42
What does a healthy church look like? Church where people are devoted to the word of God, fellowship, prayer and the presence of God. The early believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching. They wanted to know God, understand his ways and allow his word to shape their lives.
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” John 8:31 This is crucial, because the word gives us truth to believe, wisdom to live by and direction for our journey with God.
A healthy church creates a hunger for the word. People grow in their understanding of God and become increasingly confident in living according to his truth.
Our text also says that they devoted themselves to fellowship! Fellowship is more than being in the same room. It is sharing life together. It is relationship, participation, partnership and belonging. A place where people know one another, care for one another, encourage one another, pray for one another and serve one another. A community where faith is lived out in ordinary life, where people can sit together, talk together, eat together and celebrate what God is doing.
Prayer was not an occasional activity for the early believers. They devoted themselves to it.They knew they needed God. They sought him together. They trusted him together.They expected him to move. And when the church prayed in the book of Acts, something happened:
“Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed through the apostles.” Acts 2:43
Then:
“All the believers were together and had everything in common.” Acts 2:44
And:
“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” Acts 2:46.
And the result was:
“And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47
This is a beautiful picture of church life.
