Daily EncouragementSample

This is a description of how the church which was born at Pentecost continued. It is a word of encouragement for the Church at all times. It encourages us to persevere: “They devoted themselves,” or “they continued steadfastly,” as the Authorized Version puts it. These are normal activities of the Church, and the mark of the early Christians was the regularity with which they engaged in them. Possibly all these elements were part of their typical meetings, and they were conspicuous by their presence. However, the devotion of these Christians was not merely a matter of attending meetings - it was the dominant trait of their entire way of life. Here is encouragement to persevere in areas of vital importance for individual Christians and for the Church as a whole: “the apostles’ teaching” - found today in the Scriptures, which should be proclaimed, taught, meditated upon and obeyed; “the fellowship” - meeting together, sharing with one another and spurring one another on “towards love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24-25); “the breaking of bread” - faithful attendance at the Lord’s table and meaningful worship; “prayer” - corporate prayer with the Church, family prayer, private prayer. When it comes to these activities, now as then, a persevering people will be a praising people, and they will have the joy of seeing others being added to their number (Acts 2:46-47).