Saved By Grace

Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Recently, while visiting Cabo San Lucas, Mexico I was asked about my home church Grace Lutheran in Pocatello The questions asked were the normal why there, what is it like, what brought you there? It was an opportunity to share I deeply appreciated.

The early church, the "Acts 2" church is a model that most churches seek to emulate. A few get it right. And some get it VERY right. Some will focus solely on clergy led study of the word. In this church model, ordained ministers lead all studies offered or sponsored by the church. It is a model that appeals to some worshippers. Others will sponsor bible studies that augment the weekly Sunday worship service. The studies are not all led by an ordained minister. The majority are led by a lay person. By that I mean someone who is not a minister, preacher, etc. my wife Pam and I belong to what is called a small group. It's a small group of 15. We meet on Thursday evenings, study the word, break bread, pray, share some wine, and we share our lives. We are a group of people who have lived through the trials and tribulations of life. Illness, loss of family members ear and far, death of spouses, death of members, children problems of all kinds have help forge a relationship we each hold precious and dear. We have added new members as others have moved away, or passed away. The Lord in His grace and love has put this group together and we are blessed. We share life, love, laughter and most of all, we share a love of, and for Christ. Jesus is the center of our group. My prayer for you on this day, a day the Lord has made is that you would find such a group in your life.

PRAYER: Father, on this day, please reach out to those who are hurting, lost without You in their lives. Guide each of us to share Your love and Your Word. Help us, with Your Holy Spirit to be Your hands and feet. This we ask in Jesus' name, Amen.