Devoted

Continuation in Acts. 
Acts 2:37 = when people heard Peter's sermon they were "cut to the heart...", and on that day 3000 souls received the Word, etc.

Acts 2:42 - gives insight into the heart of the early church. 
Four things the early church did:

1)  They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching.
DEVOTED!!!  = totally and completely committed to Christ.  Intense in their faith this was the way it showed up and worked out in their lives.
At this time, apostles were with them.  Apostles were:  teaching the Old Testament, showing how it points to Christ, and teaching what Christ taught them.  Were witnesses to the risen Christ.  They spoke prophetically as the Holy Spirit carried them along.

2 Pet. 1:16-21 - We have their teachings in the New Testament. 
New Testament - written by Apostles and their close associates.
Paul became a Christian and an Apostle later - 2 Pet. 3:15-16

One of the strongest arguments that we have for the truth of the scripture = Apostles willing to lay down life for it.
According to Scripture and early church writings, all except John died gruesome deaths, yet would not recant their faith.
Apostles took their ministry and their writings seriously and so did the early church.  Devoted themselves to it.  Took it to heart!  Lived it!!!

Is easy to get discourage about state of Christianity when look around America.  We should be praying for awakening in this country.  Pray for God to WAKE US UP!!  However, church is growing in China, in Russia, in Latin America, in Asia.  Is growing in Sub-Saharan Africa.  Growing in Iran, in Afghanistan.  

Aren't many fence riding Christians in these countries.  It's dangerous to follow Jesus.  They have to be ALL IN.  Devoted to the Word of God. 
How about us?  are you devoted to the Word in your own personal life?  How about in your family?  Is it evident in your public life?

2)  They devoted themselves to the Fellowship 

This means more that just visiting.  It literally means encourage each other, push each other, hold each other accountable, sharpen each other.
1 Cor. 12, Eph. 4:16, Col. 3:14-16, Rom. 12:3-13 - All talk about us as  members of the body of Christ.
We are to use our gifts to serve each other, care about the spiritual well being of each other. 
When one of us is out of step, it hurts the whole.
Heb. 3:12-13
James 3:15-16 - Not only look after each other's spiritual needs, but physical also when possible. 
Our faith should flow out of our fingertips.

Acts 2:44-45 = acts of genuine Christian compassion and generosity. 
A)  No civil government coercion or compulsion to make you give.  Money not given to the Romans.  Was laid at the Apostles' feet, or given by individuals to other individuals.
B)  People still owned personal possessions, still met in "their homes" and many other Christians still owned homes. - Acts 12:12, 17:5, 18:7, 20:20, 21:8, 21:16, Rom. 16:5, 1 Cor. 16:19, Col. 4:15, Phil. 2, 2 John 10.
In Acts 5:4 - Peter told Ananias and Sapphira they had no obligation to sell their property and give away the money. 
Point being:  be generous ith your time, gifts, and possessions with each other.

3)  They were devoted to Breaking Bread
Probably = Lord's Supper and larger meals of fellowship amongst believers.  Acts 2:46 tells us they were eating together in their homes with glad and generous hearts.  You really get to know people when you have them in your home.

4)  They were devoted to prayer  

Simple concept to grasp.  Tough discipline to live consistently.    James 5:16.  1 Thess. 5:17
We know these things with our heads, but do we really believe with our hearts?
When was last time you spent 30 minutes pleading for your friends, or the lost, or the church, or your family?

Examples:  David Brainerd.  As young man was kicked out of Yale because he became too zealous for the school.  Made a comment about the impious staff and they kicked him out!
Became a missionary to the Indians, on time went into the woods, got on his knees in the snow and pleaded for them of 12 hours.  Died in late 20s of TB. 
              Charles Spurgeon said "I'd rather teach one man to pray that 10 men to preach".
A mark of effective Christians throughout history is a fervent and consistent prayer life. 
              John Wesley got up every morning at 4:00AM to meet with God in prayer.
Are you devoted to prayer?  Prayer is absolutely essential.

Acts 2:46-47 - Normal outflowing of the heart devoted to God is that praise for Him flows out of it.  

The end of Chapter 2 says that the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 
Here was the start of the Christian church.  No buildings yet, no books or podcasts or conferences, BUT they devoted themselves to God.
They were devoted to His word, to one another, to prayer and God added to their number daily those who were being saved. 
How about you?  Are you devoted?  Really, are you devoted???