Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Commitments matter!

The early followers of Jesus devoted themselves these habits:

• apostles teaching
• fellowship
• breaking of bread
• prayer

The early followers of Jesus devoted themselves to each other.

Stephen Covey “Our character is basically a composite of our habits. Because they are consistent, often unconscious patterns, they constantly, daily, express our character.”

In Acts 3, Peter and John encounter a man with a disability at the Temple gate.

Acts 3:6 (ESV)

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”

Acts 3:7b-8 (ESV)

immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

Peter’s Sermon:

• We didn’t do this by our power
• You rejected and killed Jesus
• Jesus raised from the dead
• This man was healed by Jesus

Acts 3:17-20 (ESV)

“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.

The early followers of Jesus witnessed to the word in three primary ways:

1. Miracles
2. Teaching
3. Sharing Life

The church was ushered in by supernatural events and powerful teaching, but it flourished because of its habits and commitments.

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭31‬-‭3‬2 ‭(ESV‬‬)

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” 

Blaise Pascal “The strength of a man’s virtue should not be measured by his efforts, but by his ordinary life.”

• Pick one kingdom habit you would like to develop in your life: engaging the Bible, eating with other Christians, praying together, sharing your resources, or finding a place to serve. Ask someone to join you in this practice.
• Look for opportunities to talk about how Jesus has changed your life.