Three years ago I arrived in New Jersey not knowing a single person, not having a home for myself and my children. This was a particularly difficult season in my life, and I was desperate for the Word of God. It was at that point when Acts 2:42 came alive for me. It says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” As I humbled myself to live according to the principles of this verse, my life began to transform.
This is how you and I can simply live out Acts 2:42 in our lives.
Be devoted to the Apostles teaching: At Every Nation New Jersey we believe in small gatherings called ‘Connect Groups’. In these gatherings you can go deeper in the word of God with others. It’s amazing what happens when we get in the word and study it together. As a Pastor, I’m often the one who leads Connect Groups. But this time I attended and received words of life and encouragement that those around me had to offer. I learned the value of receiving the word when I needed it most.
Be devoted to the fellowship and the breaking of bread: Gathering, especially with those not like us, is necessary for our well being. There is something about sharing a meal that helps us to be vulnerable. Being unguarded is important for relationships. This is when the true version of you shows up. My Connect group helped me to get to know new friends and their families within my community. I learned about their different cultures and backgrounds. We even talked about each other’s shortcomings! All of this helped us to draw closer together and created a strong bond of friendship.
Be devoted to prayer: Prayer is two-fold: our personal devotion to God, AND joining in large prayer meetings. Don’t neglect your churches prayer meetings. This year we have experienced the power of prayer in many ways. We have seen much fruit come from our prayer time as a Pastoral Staff. As well as during our Friday Night Prayer Meetings, and our pre-Service prayer. Galatians 6:2 says “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” When we join in Corporate prayer we become sympathetic to each others burdens, and as a bonus…..we get to rejoice over answered prayers because we were part of the journey.
As I continued to live according the above principles, God began to answer my prayers. He provided a house for my family in the community where I had been building my life. He opened the door for me to coach the peewee football team, the same team where my son has excelled on the field. He also brought many friends and business connections that have been there at moments when I needed it most. Where there was no way, God used a moment of surrender to bring me so much more than I could have dreamed for myself.
I leave you with this scripture…And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
