And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. – Acts 2:42
If you have ever put together a puzzle or built a model involving multiple parts, you know its much easier if you can see the finished product. A unifying picture gives context, meaning, understanding, and vision. For many, church is all about the “parts.” Many engage with these “parts” and enjoy serving within the church and participating in Bible studies and programs. And these are all good things! There are times, however, when we need a better understanding of the whole – a picture unifying all of these parts and fulfilling a mission God has intended for His people.
In Acts we see that a moment of decision for the first church led them into a life of discipleship that reshaped and reconfigured their lives together. They became parts in a bigger picture and larger place. Since the message of the church defines the mission of the church, we must fully understand what makes a New Testament Church. In doing so we can become a biblically functioning community of believers who not only share a common confession of faith, but also share common commitments of identity, generosity, and hope.
Use the following prayer points as you pray today.
Praise Jesus as the author and perfector of our faith. Praise Him for His faithfulness to complete His Bride, the Church.
Repent from any disobedience to the Word of God.
Ask the Holy Spirit to prompt you to read the Word, pray, and obey God’s commands.
Yield to the Spirit’s power and obey!
Blessings,
Jacqueline Heider
Director of Women’s Ministry, Prayer, & Resource Specialist