Continued Steadfastly

September 27-29, 2013 - Continued Steadfastly – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Acts 2:42 “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (KJV).

The reason I like to use the King James Version because of the word “continued” while the New Living Translation quoted, “They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and in prayer.” Sharing in the Lord’s Supper refers to Communion services that were celebrated in remembrance of Jesus and the Last Supper that Jesus had with his disciples before His death (Matthew 26:26-29).

Jesus told Peter, “Upon this Rock, I will build my church.” What did Jesus meant by that? It was on the day of Pentecost when Peter preached about Christ crucified and 3,000 souls were saved. This was the beginning of the Church, the “Born-again Christians” who followed Christ and His teachings. Jesus had blessed them before He was carried up into heaven (Luke 24:50-51).

Soon after, many of the Jews were “kicked out” of their synagogues and had joined “the Church” so they could continue the fellowship and continue to grow spiritually through Jesus’ teaching, continue the Communion and continue in prayers.

 Notice the word, stedfastly, or steadfastly means firmly fixed in place; not subject to change; firm in belief, determination, or allegiance. In another word, they were so faithful, so devoted and having a strong loyalty, affection, or dedication in doing four things. 1) Continue the doctrine or the teaching of Jesus, 2) Continue the fellowship, 3) Continue the Communion, and 4) Continue in prayers. It is something to think about continues steadfastly in doing four things.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the Manna that You reminds us to continue steadfastly in Your Word, fellowship with others, having communion, and having prayers. Your Word enriches us so much and for that I am thankful, dear Father. Bless my friends in Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!

So let’s bind us together in Christ!

Song: Bind Us Together

Bind us together, Lord; Bind us together

with the cords that cannot be broken.

Bind us together, Lord; Bind us together, Lord;

Bind us together with love.

There is only one God. There is only one King.

There is only one Body, That is why we sing:

Bind us together, Lord; Bind us together

with the cords that cannot be broken.

Bind us together, Lord; Bind us together, Lord;

Bind us together with love.

(Bob Gillman, Sing His Praise)