Pastor Joynt's Devotionals

Belong & Become, Week 4, Day 25

ACTS 2:43 | ⁴³ Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles.

“Awe came upon everyone.” Teams have identities, groups have personalities, communities have characters. It is so fascinating that the whole is the sum of the parts and yet greater. The vintage is entirely made up of individual grapes, but the taste together goes beyond them.

The Christian community is a community of awe. We understand life’s wonder and sacredness and we receive it as a gift. We know the precious, incalculable value of the people around us. We live in a world of miracles, of signs and wonders. We look for the gracious and loving action of God all around us.

What awe-filled experiences have you had recently?

Have you had any in church?

Belong & Become, Week 4, Day 24

ACTS 2:42 |  ⁴²They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

This one verse summarizes the pattern of the healthy life of a Christian community. There is teaching, fellowship, worship, prayer, and of course church suppers! In these simple ways and using these straightforward practices the early church grew in a second significant way. For God wants not only bigger churches, he wants bigger Christians!

Devotion to learning and relationship is crucial. Faith is peripheral and secondary and stale without this factor. We can only share what we know. Our excitement about what we learn and experience
together is not only a key attractional element, it is a necessary part of our identity as gathered disciples of a dynamic master who
teaches and grows his followers.

Which part of the pattern is easiest for you?

Which part is the hardest?

Are you excited?