Feasting on Faith: Devotion, Generosity, and Community

Devotional

Day 1: Devotion Transforms Community

Devotion is not casual; it is a deep, daily commitment that shapes a community into a family of faith. The early believers in Acts 2 were not just attending services—they were devoted to learning, to fellowship, to breaking bread, and to prayer. Their hunger for God and for one another created a spiritual rhythm that nourished their souls and made their faith tangible. This kind of devotion is what turns a group of individuals into a vibrant, loving community where everyone is welcomed and supported, and where faith is lived out together every day. [01:02:00]

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.

Reflection: What is one way you can deepen your devotion to God and your church family this week, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone?

Day 2: Generosity Flows from Gratitude

True generosity is the natural outflow of a grateful heart, not an obligation or a response to guilt. The early church gave freely and joyfully, sharing what they had so that no one was in need. Their giving was not about maintaining a building but about keeping the mission of love alive. When we recognize that everything we have is a gift from God, we are moved to ask, “What can I bring?” and to give with glad and sincere hearts, trusting that God will multiply our offerings for His purposes. [01:06:42]

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV)
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Reflection: Think of a specific need you’ve noticed in your community—how can you respond with generosity this week, trusting God to use your gift?

Day 3: Faith Becomes a Feast When Shared

Faith is not meant to be a solitary journey; it is a feast that grows richer when shared with others. The early church gathered around tables, breaking bread and sharing life, and in doing so, they experienced joy, laughter, and deep connection. When we come together—whether for worship, a meal, or a simple act of kindness—walls come down, hearts open, and God’s love becomes visible and tangible. Every act of fellowship, every shared meal, and every prayer offered for someone else is a taste of the sacred feast God invites us to enjoy together. [01:04:50]

Romans 12:10-13 (ESV)
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Reflection: Who is someone you can invite to your table or into your life this week to share in the joy and fellowship of faith?

Day 4: Gratitude Multiplies Blessings

Gratitude is the heartbeat of a vibrant faith community, and it always leads to more gratitude and more blessing. The early church praised God every day, not just on the good days, and their thankfulness overflowed into generosity and joy. When we give thanks for what God has done and trust Him for what He will do, our offerings—no matter how small—are multiplied in His hands. Stewardship becomes not about obligation, but about faith-raising, as we invest in God’s future and the mission field before us. [01:12:30]

Psalm 100:4-5 (ESV)
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Reflection: What is one specific thing you are grateful for today, and how can you express that gratitude in a way that blesses someone else?

Day 5: Serving Is Love in Action

Service is not just a task; it is love in motion, a way of life that reflects the heart of Christ. When we respond to God’s call to serve—whether by feeding the hungry, praying for others, or simply showing up for someone in need—we become part of God’s ongoing story of grace and transformation. Every act of service, no matter how small, is a way of setting the table for others to experience God’s love and to find their place in the family of faith. [01:16:12]

Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV)
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Reflection: Where is God tugging at your heart to serve right now, and what is one step you can take this week to put love into action?

Sermon Summary

Today is a day of celebration, gratitude, and commitment as we gather to honor both the legacy and the ongoing mission of our church. We began by pausing to recognize and thank our veterans—those who have served our country with humility and sacrifice, making it possible for us to worship freely and live in peace. Their example reminds us of the importance of service, not only in the military but in every calling God places before us. We also lifted up prayers for those currently serving, and for all who say “yes” to God’s call to spread love and peace in a world that desperately needs it.

As we celebrate 200 years of ministry, we reflect on the ways God has worked through us and anticipate what God will continue to do. Our mission field is not far away; it’s as close as the grocery store, the gas station, the school, or our own neighborhoods. We don’t always need to preach with words—our actions, our generosity, and our love are the living testimony that Christ is alive in us. This is especially true in times of hardship, when needs in our community are great. Through ministries like Churches and Mission, we strive to ensure that no one goes hungry, and that everyone experiences the tangible love of Jesus.

Today, we set the table for ministry—literally and figuratively. The food we collect and the offerings we give are more than just resources; they are acts of faith, gratitude, and hope. We give not out of obligation, but because we have experienced God’s goodness and want to share it. Our generosity is a response to the abundance we have received, and it is through this spirit that we bless others.

Looking to the early church in Acts 2, we see a community devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Their faith was not a ritual but a way of life, marked by radical generosity, joy, and awe. They gathered daily, shared everything, and trusted God to provide. This is the model we strive to follow—a church that is not just a building, but a family, a feast of faith where everyone has a place at the table.

As we bring our pledges and offerings, we are investing in God’s future, setting the table for those who have not yet found their seat. Stewardship is not about fundraising, but about faith-raising—trusting that God will multiply our gifts and use them to draw more people into the circle of grace. We celebrate not just what has been, but what will be, as we continue to show, share, and spread God’s love in our mission field.

Key Takeaways

1. Service is a Sacred Calling True service, whether in the military or in ministry, is rooted in humility and sacrifice. It is not about recognition, but about answering God’s call to make a difference in the lives of others. When we serve, we participate in God’s work of peace and love, becoming instruments of grace in a world that needs healing. [13:56]
2. Generosity Flows from Gratitude Radical generosity is not born from guilt or obligation, but from a heart overflowing with gratitude for God’s goodness. The early church gave joyfully, knowing that all they had belonged to God. When we give out of thankfulness, our resources become blessings that multiply, meeting needs and drawing others to Christ. [66:42]
3. Faith is Nourished in Community Faith is not meant to be lived in isolation. The early believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer—practices that created a spiritual rhythm and deepened their relationships. When we gather, share meals, and pray together, our faith becomes tangible and our community becomes a place of transformation. [63:38]
4. Stewardship is Faith-Raising, Not Fundraising True stewardship is about investing in God’s mission, trusting that our gifts—no matter the size—will be used for purposes greater than we can imagine. It’s about setting the table for those who are not yet here, believing that God will add to our number and multiply our impact as we remain faithful. [73:50]
5. Joy and Awe Mark a Living Church A church alive in Christ is marked by joy, laughter, and a sense of awe at what God is doing. These are not just emotions, but signs of a community that is feasting on faith—where worship becomes wonder, giving becomes gratitude, and fellowship becomes family. This spirit draws people in and makes the church a beacon of hope. [69:06]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[12:18] - Honoring Our Veterans
[13:56] - Praying for Those Who Serve
[14:54] - Celebration and Church History
[15:32] - Living Out Our Mission
[19:14] - How Will the World Know Jesus Lives?
[20:11] - Blessing Churches and Mission
[21:20] - Going Above and Beyond in Giving
[22:39] - God’s Goodness Inspires Generosity
[28:48] - Gratitude for Faithfulness and Generosity
[46:24] - Responding to God’s Call
[60:56] - The Feast of Faith in Acts 2
[63:38] - Devotion and Spiritual Rhythm
[66:42] - Radical Generosity in the Early Church
[69:06] - Joy and Awe in Community
[73:50] - Stewardship as Faith-Raising
[76:12] - Service as Love in Motion
[78:16] - Praying for Our Mission Field
[80:00] - Closing Blessing and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 2:42-47 (ESV) — 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Observation Questions

According to Acts 2:42-47, what were the main things the early church devoted themselves to?
In the sermon, what are some specific ways our church has tried to meet needs in the community? ([19:34])
What does the sermon say about how the early church handled their possessions and resources? ([01:06:42])
How does the sermon describe the atmosphere and spirit of the early church when they gathered together? ([01:09:06])

Interpretation Questions

Why does the sermon emphasize that service—whether in the military or in ministry—should be rooted in humility and sacrifice rather than recognition? ([13:56])
What does it mean for generosity to flow from gratitude instead of obligation, and how does this shape the way we give? ([22:39])
The sermon says, “Faith is not meant to be lived in isolation.” What are some reasons the early church’s devotion to community was so important for their faith? ([01:03:38])
How does the idea of “stewardship as faith-raising, not fundraising” challenge the way we usually think about giving in the church? ([01:13:50])

Application Questions

The sermon talked about honoring veterans and those who serve as an example of humble service. Who in your life has modeled humble service for you, and how can you follow their example this week? ([13:56])
Think about a time when you gave to someone or something out of gratitude rather than obligation. How did that feel different? Is there a need in our community right now that you feel grateful to be able to help meet? ([22:39])
The early church shared meals, prayed together, and supported each other daily. What is one practical way you can deepen your connection with someone in our church family this month? ([01:03:38])
The sermon says our “mission field” is as close as the grocery store, gas station, or school. Where is your personal mission field, and what is one small act of love or generosity you can do there this week? ([15:32])
When you think about giving—whether it’s time, money, or resources—do you see it more as an obligation or as an act of faith? What would help you see your giving as “faith-raising”? ([01:13:50])
The sermon describes the church as a place of joy, laughter, and awe. What is one way you can help make our church a more joyful and welcoming place for others? ([01:09:06])
The early church trusted God to provide as they shared what they had. Is there an area of your life where you need to trust God more with your resources or your future? What step could you take this week to act on that trust? ([01:06:42])

Sermon Clips

How will people know that Jesus lives? Sometimes it's when we show up with a box of cereal. Sometimes it's when we show up with, and they're gonna receive some Thanksgiving baskets so that they can have a Thanksgiving meal. And we as a church decided that on this Celebration Sunday, that we typically give a gift. We give something above and beyond us trying to just reach our budget. We give something more. We bless someone else. [00:20:03] (33 seconds) #BlessAndGive

If there's one word that describes the early church and I think it describes our church too it would be gratitude and we know that gratitude always leads to more. Gratitude always leads to more. Gratitude always leads to more. [01:12:47] (18 seconds) #GivenToGive

That's the kind of church that God calls us to be—a church that doesn't just set the table but a church that fills the table, a church that doesn't just feed the hungry but a church that feeds souls, a church that doesn't just gather but a church that grows. [01:16:43] (21 seconds) #CelebratingFaithGrowth

Today we don't just celebrate what has been, we celebrate what will be. We celebrate a God who still adds to our number daily, we celebrate a faith that still multiplies, we celebrate a church that's still setting tables of grace every time that we set a table for ministry, every time we promise to set the table for ministry. [01:17:49] (33 seconds)

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