These persons "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." If this is the way new converts express their faith, is is surely a good model for all of us.
"The apostles' teachings" have been recorded for us in our bibles. We also share in those teachings when we engage in discussion with other disciples.
The "fellowship" is very important. While attention should be given to the content of the gatherings of God's people, even such evaluations are only possible when we are together. I often say that I am not the "attendance police," and I never will be. But I will continually encourage gathering with fellow Christians.
The breaking of bread is generally taken to be a reference to Holy Communion. I was having coffee with a student who had recently brought a friend with them to Sunday worship. This person was more familiar with worship in a church where the sermons and the service focused on interpreting and applying scripture, line by line. The discussion over coffee was an opportunity to acknowledge that our worship style is focused on exposing a mystery and confronting worshipers with a sacramental outpouring of God's grace.
I do understand how tough it can be to pray. But prayer is a trait that every follower of Jesus must develop. The prayers of the apostles' are more than a recitation of the wants and needs of an individual. These expose us to God's intention for the world and our willingness to take a part in the work God intends.
Lent is a time of preparation for the events of Easter. If your preparation has you prepared, take this list from Acts 2 and compare it to the life you live.
No comments:
Post a Comment