DEVOTED DAY BY DAY
7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:7-16 ESV
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We can learn how to grow as a body by observing the early church.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 ESV
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Big Valley Grace 5 Year Vision: DEVOTED DAY BY DAY IN 2030
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The early church was DEVOTED in at least four ways:
1. Devoted to the apostle’s teaching of God’s Word.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42
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2. Devoted to the fellowship of believers.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42
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3. Devoted to the breaking of bread to remember Jesus.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42
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4. Devoted to the prayers unto God.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42
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The early church was DAY BY DAY in at least four ways:
1. Day By Day in the uncommon and the common.
43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. Acts 2:43-45 ESV
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2. Day By Day in the temple and the home.
6 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes. Acts 2:46a ESV
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3. Day By Day in gladness and generosity.
They received their food with glad and generous hearts. Acts 2:46b ESV
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4. Day By Day in praise and favor.
47 Praising God and having favor with all the people. Acts 2:47a ESV
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The result of the early church being DEVOTED DAY BY DAY:
And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:47b ESV
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