WORD From The Woods
Acts 2:42-47
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
This passage shows us the early church, ordinary folks, like you and me, transformed by the gospel and living in a way that turned the world upside down. This text reminds us that God’s sovereign grace not only saves us but shapes us into people who reflect His glory, even in the toil of daily life. The early believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the prayers.” These weren’t scholars or kings, they were fishermen, tradesmen, and laborers who hungered for God’s Word. They knew their strength didn’t come from their own hands but from the truth preached by the apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit. For us today, this means starting our week rooted in Scripture. The Bible isn’t just a book; it’s God’s voice to us, guiding our decisions in work and life day by day. Whether you’re a cutter, trucker, running a machine, or any number of things, let God’s Word be your blueprint. And pray for strength, for wisdom, for the people you work with. God hears the prayers of men who seek Him. These folks “had all things in common” and shared with “glad and generous hearts.” This wasn’t socialism, it was the fruit of hearts changed by God’s grace. Scripture teaches that as Christians, we’re united in Christ and to one another. You’re not meant to do it alone. Just as you rely on your crew to get the job done, you need your brothers in Christ to keep you steady. We go to church primarily to hear the word preached and to worship, but also to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow Christians who’ll pray for us, challenge us, and help bear our burdens. We need the community of the church. Notice the last verse: “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” The early church didn’t grow because they were clever salesmen. God did it. He saved souls. He built the church. As believers, we know salvation is God’s work from start to finish. Your job isn’t to save yourself or anyone else, it’s to be faithful where God has you. Work hard, love your neighbor, share the gospel with the folks around you. And trust God to do what only He can do.
God bless and have a great week! -Terry-
Acts 2:42-47
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
This passage shows us the early church, ordinary folks, like you and me, transformed by the gospel and living in a way that turned the world upside down. This text reminds us that God’s sovereign grace not only saves us but shapes us into people who reflect His glory, even in the toil of daily life. The early believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the prayers.” These weren’t scholars or kings, they were fishermen, tradesmen, and laborers who hungered for God’s Word. They knew their strength didn’t come from their own hands but from the truth preached by the apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit. For us today, this means starting our week rooted in Scripture. The Bible isn’t just a book; it’s God’s voice to us, guiding our decisions in work and life day by day. Whether you’re a cutter, trucker, running a machine, or any number of things, let God’s Word be your blueprint. And pray for strength, for wisdom, for the people you work with. God hears the prayers of men who seek Him. These folks “had all things in common” and shared with “glad and generous hearts.” This wasn’t socialism, it was the fruit of hearts changed by God’s grace. Scripture teaches that as Christians, we’re united in Christ and to one another. You’re not meant to do it alone. Just as you rely on your crew to get the job done, you need your brothers in Christ to keep you steady. We go to church primarily to hear the word preached and to worship, but also to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow Christians who’ll pray for us, challenge us, and help bear our burdens. We need the community of the church. Notice the last verse: “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” The early church didn’t grow because they were clever salesmen. God did it. He saved souls. He built the church. As believers, we know salvation is God’s work from start to finish. Your job isn’t to save yourself or anyone else, it’s to be faithful where God has you. Work hard, love your neighbor, share the gospel with the folks around you. And trust God to do what only He can do.
God bless and have a great week! -Terry-