And they continued steadfastly

Bible Reading: Genesis 2; Ezra 2; Matthew 2; Acts 2

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

The early church was diligent in some things. These were priorities for them. They made time for these things. They gave study to these things and they continued in them. To continue steadfastly means to persevere in a thing or to be diligent about it. They were disciples which means that they were disciplined learners of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must learn the lessons from those early believers in Jesus and pattern our lives after theirs. They continued steadfastly in:

1. The apostle's doctrine – The apostle's doctrine would be the teaching that was done by the apostles. They were Bible teachers who expounded the Old Testament and wrote the New Testament. If the early church continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, how much more should we. We need to be in the Bible EVERY DAY. We need to read it, to meditate upon it, to memorize it, to hear it preached and to teach it to others.
   

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

1. Fellowship – The church continued steadfastly in fellowship. This is the shared life of the believers. They spent time together. They encouraged one another and taught one another. They helped one another. They became a family when they trusted in Jesus and they practiced that family life of being brothers and sisters in Christ. Our segmented society is hard on Biblical fellowship. We can go to church with someone for years and not really get to know them. Biblical fellowship means that I spend time with brothers and sisters and get to know them and share life with them.
   
2. Breaking of bread – the church was committed to eating! This probably refers to sharing the Lord's Table together as they ate communion together, but we also learn from 1 Corinthians 11 that the early believers ate a full meal when they met together. To share a meal together is a very important thing. You eat with friends and family. How much more so your brothers and sisters in Christ.
   
3. They continued steadfastly in prayers. They wanted close communion with the Lord Jesus Christ and they spent time in prayer communicating with him. They asked for the things they needed and depended wholly upon him.
   

James 4:2b … ye have not, because ye ask not.

It is my prayer that you will take this verse seriously in 2010. These practices were important for those early believers and they are important for us today. Let us continue steadfastly in THE BIBLE, THE BELEIVERS, THE BREAKING OF BREAD AND BESEECHING THE LORD!

In Christ,

Rody