Read Acts 2:41-42
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day — about 3,000 in all. 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
Discover
1. What was the first thing people did after they believed what Peter said?
2. What were the believers devoted to?
3. Which of these things did they do together in community?
Respond
One of the defining marks of the New Testament church was life-giving relationships. Peter had just preached the sermon of his life, and thousands of people responded. This was a mountaintop experience, but it didn’t end there. These new believers settled into a day-to-day rhythm of gathering consistently and being in relationship. They were devoted to it, which implies that it wasn’t always easy or convenient. It required some planning and preparation, but it wasn’t optional for them.
This is a type of commitment we highly value as a church today. Life-giving relationships are essential to our growth, and they require devotion. How can you stay devoted to gathering with other believers? Here are some next steps:
How You Can Pray
Thank God for His heart for you to be in community. Acknowledge where you’ve let other priorities or inconveniences keep you from gathering with other believers. Ask Him to renew your desire for consistent community and to bring people in your life who can encourage and challenge you in your faith.
What You Can Do
Do an honest assessment of where you might be neglecting to consistently gather with other believers, both in large group and small group spaces. Write down one of the obstacles that might be keeping you from taking that step and then one simple, practical way you can adjust your schedule to be devoted to gathering.
A great next step at Traders Point is our 10-week group experience called Rooted. You can learn more and register for our next session at tpcc.org/rooted.