All Together

All Together

Scripture Reading:  Acts 2:40-47

Focus Verse: Acts 2:42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Sometimes when I preach in Kenya and I see many people accept Christ I wonder if they all knew what they were doing, and if they understand.  What kind of life do believers have after receiving Christ?  What should it look like to begin a Christian community.

As we continue our devotional study on "Christian community" let's observe a few things about the early church in Acts.  In this passage we see that about 3000 people were saved when Peter preached.  We see that right away these new believers were united with the other believers.  Verse 42 says they had fellowship with them, continued in the doctrine (teachings), they shared in the Lord's supper together, and they prayed together.

We see that these early believers shared what they had so that all could benefit from God's gifts.  Sometimes governments of some countries take taxes from those that earn money and then give to those that are in need.  Its a nice plan, but God says that it is the church's responsibility to help those in need, not just the government's.  When the outside world sees the church helping each other they will know something is different.  But so many times the outside world sees the church divided and not able to get along with each other.  This is damaging to our testimony.

A healthy Christian community attracts people to Christ.  The early church's passion for worship and love for each other was contagious.  A church that is healthy and loving will grow in numbers.  What can you do today within your church that will attract others to Christ?  Who is in need that you can help?


Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

Peace on Earth

Peace On Earth by Boyd Bailey
Bible Readings: Jeremiah 33:9; Zechariah 9:10; Colossians 1:20; Revelation 1:5
Focus Verse: Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! Luke 2:14 NKJV

Peace on earth begins with peace in the hearts of people. Outward peace is the product of inward peace. Once a soul has experienced peace with God there is a serenity that seeps into human relationships and calms the rough waters of conflict. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand” (Romans 5:1-2).

It is a grace based belief system that allows citizens and countries to get together and accept one another’s differences. Without conversations of grace, there is no context for peace. Indeed, nations that believe “might is right”, with whom forgiveness is a foreign language, will remain restless with no peace in sight. However men, women, children and governments who embrace reconciliation will experience an incomprehensible peace.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Jesus came to earth first and foremost as a peace envoy on behalf of Almighty God. Do you have peace in your heart this Christmas season? Or is there restlessness in your soul that needs the comfort of Christ’s peace? The peace of God is your best prescription for insomnia. Peace brings deep abiding sleep.

Does this mean that we can experience 100% peace on earth? No, because the truth is divisive and not everyone believes the truth. So while Jesus is the “Prince of Peace”, listen to His challenging words, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three” (Luke 12:51-52).

So what is the role of Christians in promoting peace on earth and good will toward men? Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Followers of the Lord know grace best governs relationships, families, cities and countries. It is God’s grace that allows you to influence the process of peace.

So, stand for the truth in a spirit of grace and humility this Christmas season, and trust God for His peace to reign in your heart and in the hearts of those around you. Take the high road of heaven and proclaim in celebration of Christ’s birth, “Peace on earth and goodwill toward men.” Christmas is God’s gift of peace in the person of His son Jesus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You for the peace on earth You offer through Your son and our Savior Jesus Christ, in His name I pray, amen.

Application: Am I submitted to God, and am I allowing His peace to reign in my heart and mind? How can I, in humility and love, bring peace to a hard family issue this holiday season?

Real Faith

Real Faith

Scripture Reading:  Hebrews 11: 1-16

Focus Verse:  Hebrews 11: 3  “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”

Do you have real faith?  Can you believe what you haven't seen?  Scientists have written hundreds of books on the origin of the universe.  But we, as Christians, have the faith that God spoke it into existence.  In fact everything was spoken into existence by God.  We can only understand this if we have faith.  None of us has seen God.  None of us were there when God created everything.  We take these things by faith.  Hebrews 11:3 is a good definition of real faith.  “We know that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen.”  Anybody can take something and mold or fashion it into something else. Example, a business can make an automobile or vehicle.  But only God can create from nothing.  Everything that we see around us teaches us to trust in a God that we cannot see.  That is Real Faith.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries