Christian Devotion to the Apostles' Teaching

SERMON TITLE:   “Christian Devotion to the Apostles’ Teaching”
SERMON TEXT:    Acts 2:22-24, 36-42
PREACHER:           Rev. Kim James
OCCASION:           September 18, 2022, at First UMC
 
 
INTRODUCTION
 
                Seven years ago today my family held the memorial service for my dad.  It’s easy to remember the date because that day was also my dad’s birthday.  So, today brings up some memories of the things Dad taught me either with his words or by his example.  Working hard, living honestly, being responsible, caring for family, and having some fun were all part of his teachings.  When I was a teenager and had to take my 10-speed bicycle to a repair shop, I complained to my dad about how much the repair cost.  I remember my dad saying, “Kim, don’t ever deny or cheat a worker of their wages.”  I think my dad impressed upon me some valuable lessons, and I think I can say that I’m still pretty devoted to his teachings.
                In this month’s sermon series, we’re focusing on how the earliest Christians developed and grew in their faith.  Acts 2:42 tells us that—after they repented of their sins and were forgiven and baptized—those early Christians devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”  Last Sunday, because we served Holy Communion and shared a potluck lunch, we focused on the Christian devotion to breaking bread.  Today, we’re going to consider what it would look like to have a Christian devotion to the apostles’ teaching. 

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