Next Steps
I still remember watching or hearing about our kids taking their first steps. I remember the excitement of finding out that they took a step. And then another step. And then another step...until it finally characterized their daily movements.
When I think of those first steps and next steps in a church setting, I’m reminded of the birth of the church (Acts 2), their first steps, and the next steps that they took, which eventually characterized their lives together in Acts 2:41-47.
These steps included...
#1 - Conversion (Acts 2:41)
“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”
Peter had just proclaimed the gospel of Jesus. And the Holy Spirit convicted the people of their sins. They received Peter’s message and were born again. They repented of their sins. Trusted in Jesus to save them. Were baptized. And added to the church.
How about you?
Take the first steps: Repent and Believe in Jesus. Be Baptized. And Join a local church.
#2 - Devotion (Acts 2:42-43)
Following their conversion, Luke says that the early church took the next steps. They “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and the prayers.”
What are you devoted to? Are you devoted to the teaching of God’s Word? Are you devoted to sharing life together? What do your time, treasure, and talents reveal?
Take the next step by joining a group to grow in the Bible and in relationships.
#3 - Fellowship (Acts 2:44-46)
Luke unpacks further what this idea of fellowship looked like in the early church. These young believers had all things in common. They gathered together on a regular basis. They ate meals together. They shared what they had with each other. They were hospitable. They were generous. They were a loving community.
They were united around a common goal and purpose: the advancement of the gospel and the building up of each other.
Do you love gathering with other Christians?
Take the next step: Find a group of Christians that you can share your life with. Find a place to serve in your local church.
#4 - Evangelism (2:47)
“And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
The lifestyle of this young Christian community had an impact on the people around them, when they proclaimed the good news of Jesus. The Lord saved. The Lord added. Other people took the first step and were born again. And then the process of next steps continued.
Take the next step: Go and share the good news of Jesus.
I am excited to find out what next step you are going to take.
What is your NEXT STEP? Let me know in the comments below!
For this week: Read Acts 3
When I think of those first steps and next steps in a church setting, I’m reminded of the birth of the church (Acts 2), their first steps, and the next steps that they took, which eventually characterized their lives together in Acts 2:41-47.
These steps included...
#1 - Conversion (Acts 2:41)
“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”
Peter had just proclaimed the gospel of Jesus. And the Holy Spirit convicted the people of their sins. They received Peter’s message and were born again. They repented of their sins. Trusted in Jesus to save them. Were baptized. And added to the church.
How about you?
- Have you repented of your sins?
- Have you trusted in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
- Have you been baptized?
- Have you joined a local church?
Take the first steps: Repent and Believe in Jesus. Be Baptized. And Join a local church.
#2 - Devotion (Acts 2:42-43)
Following their conversion, Luke says that the early church took the next steps. They “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and the prayers.”
What are you devoted to? Are you devoted to the teaching of God’s Word? Are you devoted to sharing life together? What do your time, treasure, and talents reveal?
Take the next step by joining a group to grow in the Bible and in relationships.
#3 - Fellowship (Acts 2:44-46)
Luke unpacks further what this idea of fellowship looked like in the early church. These young believers had all things in common. They gathered together on a regular basis. They ate meals together. They shared what they had with each other. They were hospitable. They were generous. They were a loving community.
They were united around a common goal and purpose: the advancement of the gospel and the building up of each other.
Do you love gathering with other Christians?
Take the next step: Find a group of Christians that you can share your life with. Find a place to serve in your local church.
#4 - Evangelism (2:47)
“And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
The lifestyle of this young Christian community had an impact on the people around them, when they proclaimed the good news of Jesus. The Lord saved. The Lord added. Other people took the first step and were born again. And then the process of next steps continued.
Take the next step: Go and share the good news of Jesus.
I am excited to find out what next step you are going to take.
What is your NEXT STEP? Let me know in the comments below!
For this week: Read Acts 3
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