Written by Chuck Swindoll, these encouraging devotional thoughts are published seven days per week.
Read Acts 2:41
Those who believed what Peter saidwere baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.(Acts 2:41)
Sometimes we idealize the first church on record as a model of perfection. Perhaps the setting was more ideal, but it certainly wasn’t idyllic. It was more pristine, but not perfect. They had challenges, just as we do. However, some of their struggles were far greater than ours.
Read Ephesians 1:22–23
God has put all things under the authority of Christand has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ,who fills all things everywhere with himself.(Ephesians 1:22–23)
Read Acts 2:46–47
Day by Day continuing with one mind in the temple,and breaking bread from house to house,they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,praising God and having favor with all the people.And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.(Acts 2:46–47)
Read Acts 2:42
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teachingand to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.(Acts 2:42)
When the first body of believers gathered together, they devoted themselves to four essentials: teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This verse is not only descriptive of what the early church did; it is also prescriptive of what all churches must do.
Read Matthew 16:15–18
He asked them, “But who do you say I am?”Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John,because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you.You did not learn this from any human being.Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and uponthis rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”(Matthew 16:15–18)
Read 1 Peter 5:8–9a
Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.He prowls around like a roaring lion,looking for someone to devour.Stand firm against him,and be strong in your faith.(1 Peter 5:8–9a)
Over the years, I have discovered three simple truths about erosion. Rather than occurring rapidly, erosion is always slow. Instead of drawing attention to itself, erosion is always silent. And in place of being obvious, erosion is always subtle.
Read Matthew 16:18
Upon this rock I will build my church,and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.(Matthew 16:18)
Being a loving Christian doesn’t excuse us from reporting the hard thing. The river of love must be kept within its banks. Truth on one side, discernment on the other.
Looking for a role model on how to handle criticism? It would be worth your while to check out the book of Nehemiah. On several occasions this great-hearted statesman was openly criticized, falsely accused, and grossly misunderstood.
Tough days. We all have them. And most of us, if we’re honest, must admit we don’t handle them well. Others who love us try to help, but they tend to complicate matters.
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