The day was Pentecost. Three thousand people became devoted to Jesus Christ. It was the birthday of the church. Earlier there had been only a small band of followers who listened to Jesus' teachings. But with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the church was born.
These fully devoted followers of Christ took the good news of salvation to heart. Their lives changed. They found a new focus, a new devotion.
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching. It was a message of grace and hope--unlike any ever heard before. No longer would the world have to chase after God, for God had come in search of the world.
They devoted themselves to the fellowship of believers. Not only did they love God, but they obeyed Jesus' command to love one another. They cared and provided for each others' needs and held each other accountable.
They devoted themselves to the breaking of bread. Together they took the time to remember and believe that the body of Christ was given for the complete forgiveness of all their sins.
They devoted themselves to prayer--conversation with God. They not only spoke to God but also listened for and learned God's will for the life of the church.
Teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer--are these the key focal points in your walk with God?
Father, in the strength of Jesus we pray that we may follow the example of the early church and continually devote ourselves to the basics of life in Christ. Amen.
About the author — Jerry Dykstra
Pastor Jerry Dykstra was recently appointed as the executive director of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. After a 15-year career in business, he trained for pastoral ministry and served as the pastor of Cascade Fellowship CRC, Cascade, Michigan, and Faith Christian Fellowship CRC, Walnut Creek, California. He and his wife, Linda, live in Byron Center, Michigan, and have three children and seven grandchildren.
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