The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to ttheir number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2: 42-47
In yesterday's service we talked about the importance of maintaining a balanced spiritual life. Recognising the early church as our example we were reminded of the significance of our love of God expressed through our Sunday worship, devotions and service, as well as our love of others in our Christian communities and finally our love for those in a broken world expressed in our outreach and relationships at home, our workplaces and communities. The challenge to us this week is to reflect on whether we are getting the balance right and to follow the convictions of Holy Spirt to establish or recover this balance.
When we survey the balance of our Christian communities in the UK we recognise that many of our churches are no longer multi-generational. Many congregations are made up of only older generations lacking children and those of the working generations. This is a great loss as it is a great blessing when generations gather and grow together. Pray this week that we as a community will continue to reach families, and that there will be opportunities to share the Gospel and invite people in our church family. Pray that there will be an awakening amongst every generation. And consider whether Holy Spirit is leading you to get involved in our next generation ministries which seek to make Jesus known to the younger generations.
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbour as yourself."
Galatians 5: 13-14 NIV
Father God, at the beginning of another week we ask that Your Spirit would help us to make good choices and live a life faithful to Christ. Help us to get the balance of our lives right so we love You and others rightly and never forget Jesus command to his disciples to take Your love into the world. We ask for an awakening that across all generations the many would know the love of Jesus. Help our young people to know Jesus and to receive him in their hearts. May they desire to live lives marked by Jesus that seek the common good and are empowered by Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
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