Growing God's Kingdom

Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.  And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.  And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.


Reflection

I’m not the most athletically gifted, enough to be a role player at best. I recognized this in high school, and countered with a devotion toward working harder than anyone else. When banquet awards were handed out, there was never an “MVP” plaque with my name on it, but often one that said “Most Hustle” or “Hardest Worker.” This earned me a reputation for diligently pursuing our team’s plans and season aspirations. In today’s verse, we see God’s plan and desire for His church to be healthy. It starts with everyone’s devotion.

Devotion is not arm-twisting. It’s a loyal and enthusiastic pursuit. As God’s grace captures our hearts, we respond with this kind of devotion in the same way as the first church.

• Devotion to Jesus’ teachings. The Gospel as the foundation of His church.
• Devotion to Fellowship. Sharing life together.
• Devotion to Communion. Remembrance of Jesus’ life-giving sacrifice.
• Devotion to Prayer. Partnering with God toward the priorities of heaven.

The collective outpouring of this devotion distinguishes a healthy church. Today’s scripture paints such a beautiful picture of what this looks like.

• Awe. Where the Holy Spirit’s influence is evident over everyone. The atmosphere of heaven is apparent, and the church is powerful and effective. 
• Unity. Deeper than blood relationships. An environment stripped of individualism, making our neighbor more important than ourselves. 
• Generosity. A culture of radical giving to all needs, leaving no one neglected. 
• Gathering. As one body. Not only meeting corporately in a physical space, but also in their homes. 
• Growth. A church expanding His kingdom. Big, but not neglecting a family feel. Saving souls daily with new testimonies of His glory.  

It’s easy to read the characteristics of the first church and pretend they were the cultural norms of the time. However, this is not the case. This is God’s economy when His followers devote themselves to His plans. This is still His plan for today’s church. Devoting yourself to these plans will not earn you a plaque for MVP or hardest worker. It can’t make God love you any more than He already limitlessly does. But it can earn you a reputation as a light for His plan and desire for His church. So the grace that once captured your heart can capture all those around you, growing His kingdom.


Action Steps

Pick one of these four areas of devotion: Jesus’ teaching, fellowship, communion, or prayer. Over the next month, practice devoting yourself to this area of the church. 


Prayer

Lord in heaven, thank You for capturing my heart with grace. I want to respond with devotion in playing a role to grow Your church, so the goodness I find in You can be discovered by others. Let Your church be an awe-inspiring, unified, radically generous, close-knit, and ever-expanding church, full of loyal and enthusiastic followers committed to You. In Your name, amen.