So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.  And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. – Act 2:41-42

Yesterday at church we looked at the example of the early church, which I believe is a good example for us today.  At the beginning of this new year, consider your commitment to the church.  How would you answer the following questions?

Have you received the good news of salvation that Jesus offers?  Jesus died for our sins and rose to give us a new life.  He calls us to repent (turn) from our sins and trust in Jesus as our Savior.  Have you received this good news?

Have you been baptized?  Notice it followed directly after salvation.  Indeed it is an outward expression of our faith in Jesus.  In baptism we identify ourselves with him and what he has done for us.  Have you been baptized?

Have you committed yourself to a local church?  Again it followed directly after baptism: they were baptized and then added to the church.  Not only added, but as v42 reminds us, they were committed.  Many seem to want to follow Jesus apart from the local church, but the Scriptures indicate that we are to commit to a local church.  Have you?

Are you devoted to the apostles’ teaching?  Note the context is the church.  Are you committed to gathering with the church each week to hear the Word of God taught?  Or do you only come occasionally?  Do you come with an attitude of anticipation?  Are you devoted?

Are you devoted to the fellowship?  Fellowship speaks of a relationship.  Are you committed to cultivating your relationship with your brothers and sisters in Christ?  Do you gather regularly with each other?  Are you caring for each other?  Are you bearing with each other, and forgiving when needed?  Are you devoted?

Are you devoted to the breaking of bread?  This most likely refers to the Lord’s Supper.  Do you gather with your church to celebrate together Christ’s sacrificial death for you?  Are you seeking to keep the remembrance of Christ central in your life?  Are you devoted?

Are you devoted to the prayers?  Again, the context is the church.  Are you committed to gathering regularly to pray together with fellow believers?  Is this a priority in you life?  A regular event?  Are you devoted?

Go through those questions again.  Do you need to grow in your devotion this year?  In what ways?  What changes will you start to make this week?