"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully." - Paul's words to Timothy in the second letter
This past Sunday, we took a look at Luke's first summary passage in the story of Acts: chapter 2, verses 42-47. Here, Luke is presenting a billboard of what the Church looks like at its best. He is trying to convince Theophilus that Christianity is worth his attention. The early Church captures what all of us are looking for, whether we know it or not. This is a close community that truly cares for one another, where everyone truly is seen as a brother and sister, and where no one person is considered more or less important as the other. Needs are being met. There is joy in their fellowship. Take a moment to think about a time in your life when you experienced the joy and blessing of a deep, loving community? Where was it, and what made this community so different? What role did you play in this community? Luke tells us the disciples "devoted themselves" to four essential practices. The Greek word for "devoted" ...
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