Mark Tabata’s Weekday Devotionals:
Thursday June 18 2026
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Acts 2:42-47-And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
The Book of Acts shows us many examples of how a church that truly pleases God thrives and grows. It focuses on right teaching that is expressed through its’ members in both their corporeal worship services and their personal lives. Through everything, love is the trademark of the religion of Christ Jesus. He Himself teaches the importance of love by reminding us that the world will recognize us as His people by the love that we have and show forth.
John 13:34-35-A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Calvin Fields highlights the ways that the churches of Christ (Romans 16:16) in the first century grew and overcome all of their obstacles. He also writes of how his experiences with churches of Christ who followed this pattern had a profound impact on his own life.
Unfortunately, some churches of Christ, while still holding to the organizational and worship patterns described in the Scriptures, have lost the evangelistic zeal that resulted in such an amazing growth in numbers in the first century. Instead, most of their “together” time is devoted to discussions about what they perceive to be false doctrines of other churches, including other churches of Christ. In many cases, they may be right, but, lacking an understanding of GRACE and afraid to acknowledge the joy and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, a gift from God, they have, in their fear of others, stifled the primary mission of the church – to preach the gospel! Here are some things, but by no means all-inclusive, which are embedded in a thriving church culture: • Friendly, welcoming atmosphere. • Evangelistic passion. • Challenging lessons and sermons that fuel the fires of evangelism. • Eagerly devoting time and energy to study the Bible with anyone seeking a better way of life. • Conversations at church and in homes about contacts and Bible studies. • Compassionate and helpful ministries that extend beyond our own brethren. • Having the courage and self-assurance to work with other churches and social organizations to meet common objectives of compassion and moral constraints that are beyond the capabilities of any one church. • Meeting the social and spiritual needs of all members, especially young people. • Rejoicing in the power of a Spirit-filled life. Joy does not have the same meaning as happiness. As Christians were being marched to their death and leaving their loved ones behind, especially their small children, they were not happy with their circumstance. But they could still experience the “joy” that only comes from a trust in God that everything will be made better in the world to come (Colossians 1:24; Philippians 4:11). • Willing to fellowship other churches that adhere to the pattern of the New Testament as to WHAT is done, even though HOW it is done is different. This will be elaborated upon later in this chapter. • Willing to go outside our circle of brethren and socialize with and help those who are unable to reciprocate (Luke 14:12; Galatians 6:10; Matthew 5:46-47; 7:20). The last item on this list is a very good test of what we value most. Do we confine ourselves to the social comfort we gain from being with those just like we are? Or do we also make an effort to meet the needs of those who cannot repay us?…Do we and our congregation exhibit this kind of concern for those in need? Whether of food, clothing, shelter, or just companionship, the love of Christ is showcased by our acts of compassion. This so-simple-to-do act of gracious companionship and kindness by one family had a profound effect on me; a young, 21-year old stranger to a new city; having relocated to a new job following my discharge from the Air Force. After Sunday morning services, they invited me to go home with them where they fed me, entertained me, and took me back for Sunday evening services. Thank you, Clarence and Cassie Wagner, “I was a stranger and you took me in” (Matthew 25: 35; Luke 14: 12-14). The Wagner family was not the only one. There were a number of families that made sure I was cared for in what I was most lacking–companionship! Three months later I gave my life to Christ. What if no one had cared? I wouldn’t have gone back. I may not have become a Christian. I wouldn’t be writing this book. What would be the effect on visitors if only we would care enough to reserve a spot on Sunday afternoon to do as these people did for me? It rarely happens! Satan has used the allurements of worldly activities as being of more importance (1 John 2: 15-17; 1 Peter 5: 8). Viktor Frankl, a prominent psychiatrist, has written that in any American city Sunday is the saddest day of the week. A five-year study in Ausberg, Germany, determined there is a thirty-three percent greater risk of heart attack on Monday than other days of the workweek. The strenuous, non-stop godless week-end patter pursued by many people takes its toll physically as well as spiritually. Unlike our forefathers, Sunday for a large segment of our society is a day void of any special meaning spiritually and the culmination of a flurry of weekend activity that is “this-world” oriented. (THE BEACON, bulletin of the Church of Christ, South Charleston, WV) What did we do last week that showed where our heart is? (Matthew 25: 43) What kind of “fruit” did we bear? (Matthew 7: 15-20). (Calvin Fields, 10,000 Faces of Christianity, 9205-9262 (Kindle Edition): Xulon Press)
What do you think of Calvin’s words?
What are some ways that we-as a church of Christ-can be more pleasing to the Lord?
How can we make visitors feel more welcome to our public worship services?
Are there ways we can better express our love for our brothers and sisters?
Father, help us to become better disciples. Strengthen us so that others can see Jesus in us. Amen.