Daily Worship, Spirit and Word Aug. 14, 2024

Part Three: Continue steadfastly

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.” (Acts 2:42–43, NKJV)

What was the result of these faithful believers who continued steadfastly in the teachings of the apostles, in communion and in prayer? The fear of God came upon every soul and wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

What were the apostles teaching as doctrine? They were teaching the teachings and commands of Christ Jesus. Here is a sample: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” (Romans 12:9–13, NKJV)

They continued steadfastly abhorring evil and clinging to good. They steadfastly showed kindness to each other with brotherly love. They preferred one another and honored each other. They were steadfast in their attitude to follow Jesus and serve God. They rejoiced hopefully, suffered patiently, and prayed continuously. They remembered those in need and gave to them and they stayed hospitable to each other.

What is the difference between those believers and us? Their situations may have been different, but we have the same Holy Spirit that they did. The teachings of the apostles and of Jesus are available to us to read every day. We can be consistent in our faithful obedience. Faith does not stop with believing. We are not in faith until our words and actions align with what we say we believe and we continue steadfastly in it. We do not “try” God’s ways. We trust Him,  learn His ways, and walk in them.