What does a healthy church look like? In last week's installment of my Messages About Purpose and Strategy, I quoted an old friend who had something important to say about this topic. Today I'll quote directly from Luke, the author of the Book of Acts, who has something to add to the discussion.

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

These early Christians were devoted to the teaching of God's Word. They were also connected relationally. The community of believers shared their lives and the life of Christ. I can't help but to notice that verse 42 says they were also devoted to prayer. Somehow, I think this must have been a key to their worship, sacrificial giving, unity and enormous growth.

Like these early Christians, we want to be in awe over what God is doing in our midst. There is no greater miracle than the changed lives of those who place their trust in Christ. If you are in a group of any kind here at Dayspring, make prayer a regular part of your gathering. Whether you are on a committee, serve in a ministry, participate in a Bible study, or meet with others for support, please join your hearts in group prayer that God will turn our world upside down through the way he leads us to faithfully follow Christ.