In our fast-paced modern world, it’s easy to fall into routines without examining the purpose behind our actions. This applies not just to our daily habits, but also to our spiritual lives and church participation. Have you ever paused to ask yourself, “Why do I do what I do?” This simple yet profound question can lead us to reevaluate our motivations and align our actions with God’s plan for our lives and His church.

Let’s take a journey back to the first century and examine how the early church “did church.” Their example, as recorded in Acts 2:41-47, provides a powerful blueprint for authentic Christian community:

“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 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.”

This passage reveals several key aspects of the early church’s devotion:

1. The Apostles’ Teaching: They were committed to learning and growing in their understanding of God’s Word. Today, we have the incredible privilege of access to the entire Bible. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.”

2. Fellowship: The early believers practiced true koinonia – a deep, spiritual fellowship that went beyond mere social gatherings. They lived out the “one another” commands, such as loving one another, serving one another, bearing each other’s burdens, encouraging one another, and forgiving one another.

3. Breaking of Bread: This likely refers to both sharing meals together and partaking in communion. The early church practiced radical hospitality, opening their homes and sharing their resources with glad and generous hearts.

4. Prayer: They were devoted to prayer, not just as individuals but as a community. Throughout the book of Acts, we see examples of prayers for guidance, empowerment, healing, unity, and deliverance.

What’s remarkable about this early church is that they didn’t have massive budgets or impressive buildings. What they did have was a divine directive to make disciples, the same directive we have today. Their devotion to these four key areas was not casual or intermittent – it was a priority, something they pursued with intense effort despite any difficulties that arose.

The results of their devotion were extraordinary:

1. A sense of awe came upon every soul, both believers and non-believers alike.

2. Signs and wonders were performed through the apostles.

3. They experienced favor with all the people.

4. Most importantly, “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

As we reflect on this powerful example, we must ask ourselves some challenging questions:

1. What is our church truly devoted to?

2. How are we living out the “one another” commands in our community?

3. Are we seeing the same kind of impact in our communities that the early church experienced?

4. If not, where is the disconnect?

It’s crucial to remember that God’s movement among His people is not meant to make us comfortable or complacent. When God moves, He expects His people to move as well. The early believers didn’t just bask in the glow of Pentecost – they took the message to the streets, resulting in thousands of new believers.

Jesus’ final words in Matthew 28 still ring true for us today: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” This command is not just for professional missionaries or pastors – it’s for every believer. And “all nations” are right outside our doors in our increasingly diverse communities.

As we evaluate our personal and corporate devotion to these four key areas – teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer – let’s not forget the words of Deuteronomy 6:4-9:

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

This passage paints a picture of total devotion – a life so saturated with God’s Word that it overflows into every aspect of our daily lives and interactions.

As we close, let’s take a moment for honest self-reflection. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you’ve become complacent or disconnected? Are you truly devoted to the teaching of God’s Word, to deep fellowship with other believers, to breaking bread together, and to fervent prayer?

Remember, the goal is not to feel guilty or discouraged, but to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth and to realign our hearts with God’s purposes. As we do so, we can trust that God will work in and through us, just as He did in the early church, adding to our number those who are being saved and bringing transformation to our communities.

Let’s commit to rediscovering the heart of what it means to be the church – not just going through the motions, but truly devoting ourselves to God and to one another in ways that reflect the love and power of Christ to a watching world.