Tag: Apostles

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Secure In Christ

A Dwelling Place

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study, Secure in Christ/w2d5

Read: Ephesians 2:19-22; SOAP verse 21-22

 So then you are no longer foreigners and noncitizens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, 20 because you have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Eph 2:19-22 (Read in KJV)

Regardless of your Bible translation, I believe this is a beautiful declaration of truth. I’ve read it and heard it preached many times before. However, this time, after spending two weeks reading through the first two chapters of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, it seems brighter and clearer.

It has put being a member of God’s household in a whole different light for me. Not only is the fullness of the Trinity involved in the building of God’s household, but the apostles and prophets are involved, as well as all believers then and now. Through Jesus, we have been made part of the Church. We have become a dwelling place of God by His Spirit. This is a wonderful gift of our salvation. It is an honor and an undeserved privilege to be cherished.

Previously, Paul described the collective church of Jesus, the apostles, prophets, and all other believers as a temple. Here, Paul also includes his readers as an important part of the building process. Notice that this work takes place “by the Spirit.” We worship by the Spirit (Philippians 3:3), live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25), are led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:18), walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), are taught by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:13), and are washed, sanctified, and justified by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:11). Just as salvation is something owed purely to the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8–9), success in the Christian life is owed entirely to the power of God through the Holy Spirit.

Bibleref.com
The More We Know

Enjoy more insight into today’s journey from the LGG, Secure in Christ, journal, p83.

Posted in Bible study, LGG Study, The Importance of Prayer

Devoted to Prayer

Posted on by
The Importance of Prayer, A love God Greatly study – w1d1
Today’s Reading: Acts 2:42-47; SOAP: Acts 2:42

Welcome to Week 1, Day 1 of The newest study by Love God Greatly – “The Importance of Prayer”. Join me here M-F for commentary, links, and a place to grow in your faith and understanding of the importance of prayer in the life of a believer.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 2:42-47

According to one of the definitions I found for the word ‘devoted’, verse 42 could read – “the believers were given over to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” However, there was another definition for the word devoted that I truly love in regard to prayer. The definition is ‘very loving or loyal’, and when used in verse 42 would enhance the previous reading something like this – “The believers were devoted to Christ and given over, out of love and loyalty for Christ, to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

What a beautiful picture and basis for prayer – that we, as the followers of Christ, would be moved to pray, not only when we are in need, but out of loyalty to and love for Christ. We only have to read the rest of the passage to see the benefit of their devotion. As they gave themselves over to the teaching and the fellowship, and to the breaking of bread and the prayers, Luke writes that “awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.” They were dwelling in harmony with one another and caring for the needs of others, meeting together in the temple, “praising God and having favor with all the people.” And here’s perhaps the richest of the benefits – “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Certainly this is great reason to consider prayer and fellowship with believers vital to the work of God through us.

“The believers were devoted to Christ and given over, out of love and loyalty for Christ, to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

Acts 2:42 my paraphrase
Reflections: Making it Personal

The early Christians devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

  • How do you think these four actions influenced their daily lives?
  • How can we live like this today?
Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, help me to faithfully live devoted to Jesus – to His teachings, doing life with other believers, and to prayer. In this You will be glorified.

Don’t forget to check out today’s blog from the Love God Greatly Team

https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/