Devotion:
The apostle Peter had just preached the greatest sermon of his life. All who accepted his message were baptized, and about 3,000 people were added to the church that day. What a celebration of the Holy Spirit that must have been! Then we read that these people devoted themselves. All definitions of devotion convey its sense of single focus. Devotion is the giving of oneself to a particular person, cause, or activity. These first church members were not simply curious or interested, they were devoted. They were giving their lives, body and soul, to the gospel teachings of Jesus Christ.
This type of devotion goes beyond the initial excitement and passion, to a deeply rooted, long-term relationship with God. Devotion to Christ is a dynamic that can change the world, and that's what happened. A devoted church was born and the world was never again the same. God was revealed in deeper ways. The devotion of a few thousand ordinary folks transformed the world. We can't understand it or explain it. God did it through his church. That was how the beginning of Christ UMC was. People were excited to have a new place to worship in their community. They worked together to create an inviting community and to share God’s love. Let’s keep that energy going to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
Personal Worship Option:
Father, may we experience the devotion that characterized the first Christians. May your Spirit be in us so that we become fully devoted to you. Amen.
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