Scripture Union Daily Guide 22 May 2024 (Wednesday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: Sincere Response, Genuine Fellowship
OPENING PRAYER: Make my life oh Lord a reflection of you as I study your word.
SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 2:37-47
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
* Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
* Q4: Is there any promise for me to believe or hope for?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 22 May 2024 MESSAGE
How would you describe the response of the people to Peter’s Message (v.37)? How did people respond to your message, the last time you went out for evangelism? Sometimes, the response we get is a reflection of our preparation. When we prepare prayerfully and preach in the power of the Holy Spirit, like Peter, we can expect amazing responses.
The question, “Brothers, what shall we do”? indicates that even when it is clear that people are already convicted, they still need to be guided on how to receive salvation. Peter’s answer shows that repentance is vital to becoming a Christian (vs.38-41, also see Romans 10:9-10). Baptism is also important as a public confession and identification with Christ, but it does not save.
Read vs.42-47 again; observe the elements, quality, and results of genuine fellowship by the early believers. This is a classical model of a healthy and Spirit-filled church. When we are committed to God’s word and prayer, and there is sincere fellowship, love and sharing, the church will experience unprecedented growth and miracles.
Practice/Word Application
So what? How does your local church compare to the church in vs.42-47? Decide on specific things you can contribute to make it better.
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Lord, visit our churches, revive our prayer life, and refine our love for your word and for one another. Give us miracles again!
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Matthew 28:20
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 143 – 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21-22; Psalm 30
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Wed May 22, 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
SCRIPTURE UNION SCHOOLS
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the lord, but also in the sight of man.
2 Corinthians. 8:21
THANK GOD FOR:
* Scripture Union schools that have been established to make Christ known
Christian virtues, characters and high academic standard that the children are taught
PRAY FOR:
* Them to continue to pursue the vision of making Jesus Christ known while teaching for academic excellence
* Deliberate discipling the children and youths in the schools
* Committed and dedicated visionary leadership and teachers for the schools
* Zero tolerance for falsehood and examination malpractice in all our SU schools