Devoted

 Beginning Sunday, January 4th

“See how they love one another… and how they are ready to die for each other.” — Tertullian (155-240 A.D.)

“They were all humble-minded and not boastful; they loved one another with a pure heart…”  — Clement of Rome (35-99 A.D.

“We who used to value the acquisition of wealth and possessions more than anything else now bring what we have into a common fund and share with anyone who is in need.” — Justin Martyr (100-165 A.D.)

“The faithful and devoted are called not only to bear the name of Christ, but to imitate His life in all things.” — Cyprian of Carthage (200-258 A.D.)

“He who loves Christ will do the works of Christ. The Church is not walls but the gathering of the faithful and devoted, united in heart.” — John Chrysostom (347-407 A.D.)

The early church was a gathered community, the likes of which the world had never seen. Their uncommon union was not defined by nationality, ethnicity, race, class, nor socio-economic status. It was defined by their love–one for another. The strength of their witness was forged in an uncompromising devotion to a brand-new way of life—The Way of the Risen Jesus.

Acts 2 tells the story of a people who “devoted themselves fully to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.” This wasn’t religion-as-usual. It was a Spirit-saturated shared-life that overflowed with joyful presence, selfless love, extravagant sharing, and a witness so bold it was irresistible to a watching world.

“…and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved!”  ~Acts 2:47b

Their gatherings shook the world, not because of their size or structure, but because of their sincerity. They loved one another with no limitations, they gave until it hurt, they prayed until it changed things, and they lived as if the risen Jesus was truly among them–because He was.

In Devoted, we will explore the sacred rhythms and commitments that shaped their shared life, and with passion and humility devote ourselves to the same faithful attendance, selfless service, sacrificial giving, and personal invitation. This series isn’t simply about going to church. It’s about being the church. It’s about becoming so devoted to the Way of Jesus that the watching world once again takes notice and declares: “Look how they love one another.”