Sermons

One of the greatest verses regarding being truly “set apart” has to be Acts 2:42, which says that the early Christians, “Were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” In just this one verse we learn what it takes to be set apart – Devotion to daily spending time investing in our relationship with God.

Passionate disciples are people who regularly devote themselves to “the apostles’ teaching” (the Bible), to “fellowship” (meeting with other believers in a small group), “the breaking of bread” (worship/communion), and to “prayer”. And they were continually devoting themselves to these things!

Did you catch that?

Their Christianity was much more than just a Sunday morning gig. Check out these verses from the same passage:

Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
(Acts 2:46-47)

Sometimes I wonder what the first century church would think about us… Would they think we’re missing the most important part of being a Christian?

Let me ask you a really hard question. What have you been “continually devoting” yourself to?

This Sunday, we’re going to continue our talks about what it means to experience the joy of being Set Apart. We’ll discuss why devotion is a critical element of being set apart and how to make that happen.

See you Sunday!

Danny<><

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:

Acts 2:42-47

(42)  They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
(43)  Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
(44)  And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
(45)  and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
(46)  Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
(47)  praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Launch Questions:

What do you devote yourself to daily? Anything that would pass for a daily devotion?

Exploring Questions:

Read Acts 2.42-27 What words would you say best describe the atmosphere of this passage?
What guidance does this passage give to believers as individuals?
What made the early church so appealing to others?

Response Questions:

How is your relationship with Jesus like and unlike those believers in the early church?
How is our church like and unlike the early church?
What could you do to help make our church more like the church in Acts 2?
How can we pray for you in light of what we’ve discussed today?