Day 17

Listen to Today’s Reading:

What comes to mind when you think about the church? Is it a building, a type of music, or a set of rules? Many people think of the church as a place you go with a certain group of people who follow a certain set of rules. But Jesus had a much different idea in mind when he started the church. Jesus saw the start of the church as the start of a movement. A movement that would eventually reach every person in the world. A movement that would be both deeply personal and change the whole world.

Today’s Passage: Acts 2:42–47

In Acts 2:42–47, we read a description of what church should be like. Grab your Bible and highlight the parts of the verse that describe how people should interact to create the church.

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Reflect: Are you living your life with other believers like this? What is missing? What are you grateful for?  

Pray: Thank God for the aspects of your church life that lead you to follow Jesus and do church like he intended.