Be the Church

Read Acts 2:42-47

Today marks the end of our MissionsFest devotional on the theme of We’re Family. For today’s reading, we invite you to turn to the picture of the first church as found in Acts 2:42-47.

In our current season of distance and division in our surrounding culture it can be easy to lose sight of this picture of what church could be. We can also downplay our church family for the sake of efficiency and productivity. We must guard against these two pressures. Not only is the church the goal of missions, it is also the means of mission.

We are brothers and sisters in Christ who come around the cross and let the Holy Spirit renew and lead us in the city and the world. This creates a bond that is deeper than our own personal preferences. May we be a church family that walks with one another, carries each others’ burdens, and lives on mission together.

After all, our own areas of ministry are merely temporary, but we will have eternity to enjoy with one another. So why not start now? Read Acts 2:42-47 and reflect and spend time with God exploring your part in creating such a church family at Eastbrook. May this be part of our foundation as we launch out into mission in the city and the world.

Use this devotional as an opportunity to host a conversation with your friends, family, neighbors or small group. After watching today’s video post on eastbrook.org/devotionals/werefamily, use these steps to discuss the Bible passage for today:

• One person reads the Bible passage out loud while everyone else follows along.
• Each person take a turn restating the passage in their own words.
• Read the passage again.
• Have each person answer these questions:
  • “What does this tell me about God?”
  • “What does this tell me about me?”
  • “What does this tell me I ought to do?”
• Have each person share who they know that they will share this with.

by Dan Ryan