Are You Continuing Steadfastly?

[ElizabethMarks]

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42 NKJV


As followers of Christ, we are called to continue in our faith no matter what circumstances may arise. To do so requires discipline because it is so easy to let ourselves react from our old nature instead of by the new spirit within us.


The first church is an example to us. In Acts we see them continuing steadfastly, which is another way of saying they were committed to a certain way of life or they conducted themselves with a certain discipline. Our faith must be handled with equal discipline if it is to flourish and bloom as God intended.


The four things the first church continued in are the same four things we should have in our lives too. Most important was the apostles’ doctrine. In today’s language, that’s God’s Word or the Holy Bible, both old and new testaments. This is first in the list because it is the very foundation or anchor for our new life in Christ. I need to have the Bible with me pretty much everywhere I go. If you work with me, you’d know that because I’ve got verses on little sticky notes stuck everywhere in my cubical. If you’ve been in my car, you would also see a scripture reference. In my house you’d find scripture in just about every room.



Why is that? Well to me, the Bible is like oxygen, I can only go so long without taking more in. How often do you read your Bible?
Keeping God’s Word first takes discipline. Here’s a few ideas to get more of God’s Word into your every day life:

• Write down scripture references that really affect you, on sticky notes or 3×5 index cards. Put them in places you’re sure to see them – the bathroom, the car, the desk, the refrigerator, etc.
• Listen to Christian music at home or in your car – most times the
  lyrics are direct quotes from the Bible.
• Sign up for email devotions. Every day a new devotion is emailed to you without you even thinking about it. You’ll always have God’s Word
  coming to you.
• Bookmark a few devotional websites: Intouch, Insight, RBC. When you’re on the internet, make it a habit to read at least one of those site’s devotions.

The next thing the church continued in was fellowship. A Christian can not be a lone ranger. A Christian was meant to be connected to the body of Christ. We are all one in Christ and are called to encourage one another through fellowship. There are plenty of ways to fellowship with other believers. Here’s just a few:

• Join a small group Bible Study through your local church. That way you’re getting fellowship and God’s Word at the same time!
• Start a lunch time Bible Study at your work with your co-workers.
• Start a Christian Book Club, where all the members select a good
  Christian book to read and discuss once a month.

The third thing the church continued in was the tradition of breaking bread together. Jesus taught us whenever we were eating bread or drinking we should be mindful of His sacrifice for us. Every time food enters our mouth, it should be a reminder that Christ is the Bread of Life. He is the all sustaining power that gives us life, and life eternal through His death and resurrection. While you may celebrate what we call communion at church, I don’t think Jesus meant for it to only take place at church in the congregation. We should consider communion something we do on regularly with our family at home, too.


Lastly, the first church continued in prayer. Prayer is the communication vehicle that opens our hearts to God. It’s the mechanism for praising God for all He’s done for us, conveying our thoughts or concerns and asking for God’s help. This is definitely something we need to be doing without ceasing. What’s so wonderful about prayer? You can pray anytime, anywhere without constraints. You don’t need to be in church to pray. You don’t need a pastor to direct your prayers. You simply pour out your heart to God and He is faithful to hear you. Prayer is essential for Christian growth and for developing a deep, rich and intimate relationship with our heavenly Father.


It’s easy to forget to apply these things in our lives. But if you will discipline yourself, you will be blessed beyond what you can imagine. Dive in to God’s Word, join others who praise His Holy name, remember Christ’s sacrifice of love and never stop praying. These are keys to a rich, fulfilling and abundant life in Christ Jesus.


Lord Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice and your Word to teach us all we need to live godly lives until you return. Enable us to be disciplined in our faith, to be ever growing in your character by allowing your Word to renew our minds. Continue your good work in us that one day we will stand before God holy and perfect because of you. Thank you for your love. In Jesus name Amen.



© ThinkOnIt Bible Ministries Inc.

 

[Coconut]

As followers of Christ, we are called to continue in our faith no matter what circumstances may arise. To do so requires discipline because it is so easy to let ourselves react from our old nature instead of by the new spirit within us.

The first church is an example to us. In Acts we see them continuing steadfastly, which is another way of saying they were committed to a certain way of life or they conducted themselves with a certain discipline. Our faith must be handled with equal discipline if it is to flourish and bloom as God intended.

amen!


However...

There is another way to read this key verse: (without separating it from the rest of the paragraph it is written in)

ISV Act 2:42 They continually devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to times of prayer. - all part of the apostles teaching

Act 2:43 A sense of fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles.
Act 2:44 All the believers were together, and they shared everything with one another. - all part of the apostles teaching

Act 2:45 They made it their practice to sell their possessions and goods and to distribute the proceeds to anyone who was in need. - all part of the apostles teaching

Act 2:46 They had a single purpose and went to the temple every day. (remember the Temples were OT Jewish Temples, and they were not 'Christian' Temples, [there is no such thing] however they could go to the Temples to hear the Scriptures read there, and tell the Good News of Christ to all who were coming and going from the Temple)
They ate at each other's homes and shared their food with glad and humble hearts. - all part of the apostles teaching

Act 2:47 They kept praising God and enjoying the good will of all the people. - all part of the apostles teaching
And every day the Lord was adding to them people who were being saved.

Most important was the apostles’ doctrine. In today’s language, that’s God’s Word or the Holy Bible, both old and new testaments.

They continued steadfastly in reading the Bible? In light of the scripture in its entirety above, that is not correct. The apostles doctrine, or the teachings of the Apostles, was a way of life, (patterned after Christ) and was delivered to them by example, word of mouth, and letters.

This portion of scripture can be simply summed up in saying they continued steadfastly in the Apostles teaching to love God and love their neighbor as themselves. Then or now, this instruction has not changed.

Yes today we have Bibles (and it is most wonderful to have them) but for nearly 1600 years the majority of the common people could not even read, let alone being in possession of a Bible. According to the author, Christians must have survived 16 centuries without spiritual oxygen. :embarasse

The Apostles teaching in Acts begins with the people asking "What should we do?" and Peter answering "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit as a gift." The scripture clearly tells us that Christ (His Holy Spirit) is is our life.

Blessings

 

[ElizabethMarks]

Reading Bible Changes Our Thinking

Coconut - thanks for your comments. You make a good point, not all believers had a Bible to read. For me, reading my Bible is one way God uses to change how I think. (Romans 12:2) I am grateful for scripture because it helps me understand God, myself, and what God has done for me through the Jesus' work on the cross and His gift of the Holy Spirit.

 

[jesusoverman]

Hey just for me too add to this whatever comes into us is what comes out of us. And if we constantly take in Gods word then it is God's word that will breath out of us. On the contrary if we take in evil then we will spew out evil. Just to add a note.