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March 19 – Four marks

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” – Acts 2:42

Scripture reading: Acts 2:29-47

It’s the Lord’s Day. God calls you to worship Him. As you do so, you should see in yourself and in the church that you attend, four characteristics that are described in our text and were clearly seen in the gatherings of the first Christians in Jerusalem.

The first mark is “they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.” Our calling as Christians is to be faithful to the truth of God’s Word. Do you truly believe what the Bible says? Does the church you attend faithfully adhere to the teachings of Scripture? Some, with the name of church, openly deny the authority of Scripture. A true Christian’s calling is to continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, all of it. That is needful for any group to be a true church of Jesus Christ as well.

The second mark is fellowship. Sharing in the full life of a Christian community is vitally important for spiritual life and growth. The church is the family of God and to cut yourself off from that family is a major step toward spiritual disaster. How is the walk of your discipleship when it comes to fellowship?

The third mark is the breaking of bread. If you have an opportunity to partake of the Lord’s Supper this Sunday, do so well-prepared and in good conscience.

The fourth mark is prayer. It is a privilege to share a prayer time with fellow Christians in God’s House. Personal and public prayers are vital to a rich, vibrant spiritual life.

Suggestions for prayer

Pray that your Sunday will truly be the Lord’s Day, as you worship with fellow believers in a church that steadfastly continues in all of the apostles’ doctrine.

Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.  

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