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Still Searching

“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:16-17, NIV).

Have you ever lost something of great personal value? If so, how long did you continue searching for what was lost? The more we value something the more we pursue it. Have you ever considered what God values? Since God never loses anything, what could He possibly need to find?

We know that God’s desire is to live in a shared relationship with His people. This idea serves to remind us of God’s great love for authentic fellowship. God is looking for people who recognize their spiritual emptiness. He wants to fill this emptiness with His perfect presence. God is still searching.

God is not looking for spiritual puppets, but He is searching for empty vessels. An empty vessel in the hands of an Almighty God is powerful. He is not looking for great performers, but He is searching for the right heart to carry out His great work.

God is pursuing those who want to follow His ways, and worship Him in spirit and in truth. Consider this: “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Today, as you read this devotional, is your heart broken and empty before the Lord? When you sin, does it trouble you deeply and bring you to sorrowful repentance? Repentance means a change of direction. If you are not allowing God to deal with your sin, you are not broken.

If this is the case, don’t expect a rich spiritual experience. Personal holiness precedes authentic fellowship. Are you willing to live a life of personal holiness? Paul pleaded with the believers in Rome, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship” (Romans 12:1, NIV).

Your sin should point you to the Savior. First, remove the things from your life that continue to lead you into sin. Second, get ready to love and worship God like never before. God is still searching to fill hearts that are broken and empty. If today you are unforgiving and resentful, your heart remains full.

Read:  Open your Bible and read 2 Chronicles 16:9, and Psalm 511-19.

Reflect:  Prayerfully consider the following: How can I demonstrate a broken and empty heart before God? What would that look like?

Respond:  As a result of these truths, what might need to change in my attitude, beliefs, and actions? What steps do I need to take outwardly?

The source of this content comes from our book, Walking with Jesus.

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El gran diseñador

“Dios creó todas las cosas por medio de él, y nada fue creado sin él.” (Juan 1:3, NTV)

Uno de los programas más entretenidos en el Internet y en cable tiene que ver con diseñar y preparar pasteles elegantes para eventos especiales. Estos programas tratan con profesionales. Dependiendo en la complejidad del cliente, una orden puede tomar entre cuatro a dieciséis horas para diseñarlo, hornearlo, y construirlo. Usted aprende el secreto de mantener la integridad del pastel y como ellos aguantan el frío, viajes, y sorpresas inesperadas.

Algunos profesionales diseñan un pastel precioso, pero al final, no satisfacen al cliente. ¿Por qué? Porque el pastel no se mantiene completo hasta el final. Cuando llega al evento, una parte importante se derrumba. El peso del pastel es demasiado para su estructura. Poco a poco el pastel se colapsa del interior hacia fuera.

Jesús es el Señor Diseñador de la vida: “Por la palabra del Señor fueron creados los cielos, y por el soplo de su boca, las estrellas” (Salmo 33:6, NVI). Jesús es el arquitecto de la vida. Él es quien creó todo para que la vida pueda existir. Cada persona que usted ve es el resultado del Gran Diseñador.

Como Él nos ha creado, cada persona tiene un valor eterno en los ojos de Dios. Todo fue creado por Jesús y para Jesús. En Él, todo existe, todo se mueve, y todo tiene su lugar. Jesús es la fuente de vida. Él es nuestro Sustentador.

Jesús personalizó la realidad de la eternidad cuando decidió dejar Su gloria en el cielo para vivir entre nosotros, “Y la Palabra se hizo carne, y habitó entre nosotros, y vimos su Gloria (la gloria que corresponde al unigénito del Padre), llena de gracia y de verdad” (Juan 1:14).

Jesús representó la manifestación física de la Palabra de Dios hablada. Él era la revelación de la Palabra de Dios en el Antiguo Testamento. Se puede imaginar mirar a la cara de Jesús y saber que Él fue responsable por cada cosa escrita en la Palabra de Dios. ¡Qué pensamiento tan poderoso!

Recuerden darle gracias al Señor Jesús por Su magnífica creación. Recuerde dirigir a otros a Dios a través de la obra visible de Sus manos. ¡Qué obra tan maravillosa!

Repase:  Abra su Biblia y lea Salmo 33:6 y Juan 1:1-14

Reflexione:  Considere lo siguiente: ¿Qué parte de la creación de Dios aprecia más? ¿Con quién debe compartir esto para dirigirle hacia Cristo?

Responda:  En oración, pregúntese, “Señor, ¿qué debo cambiar a la luz de estas verdades? ¿Cuáles pasos debo tomar?”

Un Devocional de nuestro libro, Andando con Jesús.

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The Master Designer

“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (John 1:3).

Some of the most entertaining shows online and on television have to do with professional cake making: designing and preparing gourmet cakes for special events. These shows enter into the world of professional cake design.

Depending on the complexity of the client’s order, a cake can take anywhere from four hours to more than sixteen hours to design, bake and build. You learn the secrets to what keeps a cake together and how they endure refrigeration challenges, travel, and unexpected surprises. Some professional bakers design a beautiful cake, but in the end do not satisfy the client. Why?

In some cases, because the cake does not hold together until the very end. When it arrives at the event, an important section falls apart. When the weight of the cake is too much for the support structure to endure, the cake slowly falls apart from the inside out.

Jesus is the master designer of life, “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host” (Psalm 33:6, ESV). Jesus Christ is the architect of life. He is the One who created all things for life to exist. Everything and everyone you see is the result of His work. Since the master designer has created us, we all have eternal value in God’s eyes.

Everything was created by Jesus, and for Jesus. In Him, all things exist, move, and have their place. Jesus is the source of life. He is Lord of all. Jesus is our sustainer. Jesus personalized the reality of eternity when He decided to leave His glory in Heaven and live among us: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

Jesus came as the physical manifestation of God’s spoken Word. He is the Living Word. Jesus represented the revelation of God’s Word in the Old Testament. Can you imagine looking into the face of Jesus and knowing that He was the One responsible for everything you’ve studied from God’s word? What a powerful thought.

Remember to thank the Lord Jesus for His magnificent creation. Remember to point others to God through the visible work of His hands. What a great work He has done!

Read:  Open your Bible and read Psalm 33:6, and John 1:14.

Reflect:  Prayerfully consider the following: What part of God’s creation can I share with others today to point them to Jesus?

Respond:  As a result of these truths, what might need to change in my attitude, beliefs, and actions? What steps do I need to take outwardly?

The source of this content comes from our book, Walking with Jesus.

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Abrazando la luz

“En él estaba la vida, y la vida era la luz de la humanidad.” (Juan 1:4, NVI)

¿Se recuerda de niño cuándo, por primera vez, llegó a entender que la luz en el refrigerador no siempre se quedaba encendida? Sabía que el bombillo iluminaba bien cuando la puerta estaba abierta, pero tenía duda si se mantenía encendido cuando la puerta se cerraba. Si usted era bien curioso, este dilema estaba presente en su mente por varios días. Se preguntaría, “¿Qué tiempo dura este bombillo? ¿Qué sucede con la comida en la oscuridad? ¿Puedo encontrar criaturas extrañas si tuviera una linterna?”

El Apóstol Juan dedica tiempo considerable para contrastar la vida y la muerte, la luz y la oscuridad. Él deseaba que su audiencia entendiera claramente que Jesús es la vida, la luz del mundo. Jesús no es solamente la fuente de vida, sino también el distribuidor de vida. Jesús es la luz del mundo. A través del poder de Su presencia, Jesús distribuye vida en un mundo lleno de oscuridad, dolor y falta de esperanza.

Jesús, la luz de vida, es la luz verdadera. No había trucos o promesas vacías. Jesús cumplió con cada palabra. Él trajo libertad a la esclavitud espiritual. Él trajo sanidad a los quebrantados de corazón y descanso para los que estaban cansados de controlar su propia vida. Jesús dijo, “Mientras que estoy en el mundo, soy la luz del mundo” (Juan 9:5). La vida de Jesús debe ser aceptada y acogida. Jesús dijo, “Yo soy la luz del mundo; el que me sigue, no andará en tinieblas, sino que tendrá la luz de la vida” (Juan 8:12).

La vida de Jesús era exactamente lo que se necesitaba hace 2,000 años y es exactamente lo que las personas necesitan hoy para liberarse de su mundo de pecado, quebrantamiento y desesperación. Juan escribe, “La Palabra le dio vida a todo lo creado, y su vida trajo luz a todos. La luz brilla en la oscuridad, y la oscuridad jamás podrá apagarla” (Juan 1:4-5, NTV). Como un creyente en Cristo, ahora usted tiene la luz de vida viviendo dentro de usted. Acoja la luz y viva en la luz. Deje sola la oscuridad.

Recuerde, en Cristo, usted es la sal y la luz de la tierra: “Ustedes son la luz del mundo…Tampoco se enciende una lámpara y se pone debajo de un cajón, sino sobre el candelero, para que alumbre a todos los que están en casa. De la misma manera, que la luz de ustedes alumbre delante de todos, para que todos vean sus buenas obras y glorifiquen a su Padre, que está en los cielos” (Mateo 5:14-16).

Repase: Abra su Biblia y lea Juan 12:46

Reflexione: Considere lo siguiente: ¿Qué parte de mi vida se está deslizando hacia la oscuridad? ¿Qué puedo hacer para detenerlo?

Responda: En oración, pregúntese, “Señor, ¿qué debo cambiar a la luz de estas verdades? ¿Cuáles pasos debo tomar?”

Un Devocional de nuestro libro, Andando con Jesús.

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Replaced to Shine

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Imagine living a life without hope, without peace, and without God. Now imagine knowing someone living with the power of God inside them. We were all once without God’s perfect presence living within us. But what if you are the one who has the life of God in you? Don’t you think now is the best time to start shining your light and telling others about the gift of life in Jesus?

Paul wrote, “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far-gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

When you connect with others in conversation, don’t just talk about baseball, the new cable show or the latest news flash. Plead with them to embrace the life. Plead with them to consider God’s mercy, forgiveness and unchanging love. When you connect with people, make sure you intentionally connect them to the light of life. God not only wants us to trust Him for our salvation, but also to live for Him through our daily sanctification.

You don’t have time to continue flirting with sin. You don’t have time to invest in the things that have no eternal value. You only have time to shine! Your old life has been replaced to shine. God’s counting on you to shine the life of His Son through your life. He’s counting on you to replace your old desires with His desires. He’s counting on you to shine.

Your real life, your total fulfillment and satisfaction, is found in Jesus (John 15:1). His life in you is the light of this world. His life in you is the hope for those who live in spiritual bondage. Jesus is the power of God for salvation to those who are eternally lost. This is the message that must visibly shine through our lives every day. Others can embrace the power of life as you allow God’s light to shine through your life. People desperately need to see the light of life.

You have the light of life permanently living within you. “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3, NIV). Your life has been replaced with Christ’s life. Why? So you can freely live for God and express His love to others.

Read: Open your Bible and read Matthew 5:14-16.

Reflect: Prayerfully consider the following: Where can my light begin to shine brighter? What old patterns of ungodly behavior need replacing?

Respond: As a result of these truths, what might need to change in my attitude, beliefs, and actions? What steps do I need to take outwardly?

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Embracing the Life

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4).

Do you remember, as a child, when you first realized the light in the refrigerator did not always remain on while the door was closed? You knew the bulb shined brightly when the refrigerator was open, but you had doubts about whether or not it stayed on when the door was closed. If you were the curious type, you may have wrestled with this thought for days and asked, “How long does this light last? What happens to the food when it’s dark? Do scary creatures walk around inside?”

The Apostle John spends considerable time contrasting life and death and light and darkness. He wants his readers to know explicitly that Jesus is the life, the light of the world. Jesus is not only the source of life, but also the distributor of life. His presence on Earth served in part to shine light into the darkness. Jesus is the light of the world. Through the power of His presence, Jesus distributed life into a world filled with darkness, pain, and hopelessness.

Jesus, the light of life, was the true light. There were no gimmicks or empty promises. Jesus delivered on His every word. He brought freedom from spiritual bondage, healing for the brokenhearted, and rest for those who were tired of figuring life out on their own. Jesus said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). The life of Jesus is to be accepted and embraced. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Jesus’ life was exactly what people needed 2,000 years ago, and it is exactly what people need today to break free from their world of sin, brokenness, and despair. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5). If you are a believer, you now have the light of life living within you. Embrace the light and live in the light! Leave the darkness alone. Remember, in Christ, you are the salt and light of the earth.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Read: Open your Bible and read John 12:46.

Reflect: Prayerfully consider the following: Is any part of my life drifting closer to the darkness? What can I do to stop this pattern right now?

Respond: As a result of these truths, what might need to change in my attitude, beliefs, and actions? What steps do I need to take outwardly?

The source of this content comes from our book, Walking with Jesus.

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Un diseño perfecto

“Tú, Señor, diste forma a mis entrañas; ¡tú me formaste en el vientre de mi madre!” (Salmo 139:13)

¿Ha trabajado usted antes en un proyecto difícil por varias semanas? Podría ser un proyecto que le asignó su profesor, su jefe o un cliente. Usted era responsable por el diseño, el liderazgo y la presentación. Personalmente le obligó a invertir más tiempo de que usted planificó originalmente. Al final, todos estuvieron encantados con los resultados, los cuales estuvieron intencionalmente alineados con el diseño y el propósito del proyecto.

Usted ha sido diseñado perfectamente por el Señor para lograr Sus propósitos. Dios tiene un gran propósito para su vida. Dios, intencionalmente, lo creó para reflejar Sus cualidades a los que no lo conocen y traer honra y gloria a Su nombre. Antes de usted respirar por primera vez, Dios lo conocía. Usted es quien es por diseño divino. Usted no es un accidente. Dios no comete errores, “Nosotros somos hechura suya; hemos sido creados en Cristo Jesús para realizar buenas obras, las cuales Dios preparó de antemano para que vivamos de acuerdo con ellas” (Efesios 2:10).

Dios diseñó un plan bueno para su vida. En Cristo Jesús, usted tiene todo los recursos necesarios para realizar este plan. Usted fue diseñado por Dios y para Dios para lograr Sus propósitos en su vida. No importa lo que se rompa a su alrededor. Jesús tiene el poder de mantenerlo junto, vencer los desafíos y ayudarle a acelerar y avanzar en los deseos de Dios.

La perfecta obra de Dios en su vida es el resultado directo de Su diseño perfecto. Dios quiere que usted use sus experiencias, tanto buenas como malas, para demostrar Su poder ilimitado. Él quiere que usted use lo que aprende para enseñar, exhortar y formar a otros. Él quiere usar sus talentos, sus habilidades y dones para hábilmente servir a Su iglesia. Dios quiere usar sus finanzas, sus posesiones y sus recursos para demostrar Su corazón de generosidad.

Dios lo hizo con Su diseño perfecto. Él ha diseñado todo lo que usted es para ser todo lo que Él desea que usted sea. Dios sabe exactamente como usted funciona mejor. Él sabe el mejor lugar para ubicarle. Dios quiere usar su vida. Usted puede confiar en Él.

Repase: Abra su Biblia y lea Salmo 139:1-24

Reflexione: Considere lo siguiente: ¿Tengo temor de dejar que Dios use mi vida? ¿Por qué no confío más en Dios?

Responda: En oración, pregúntese, “Señor, ¿qué debo cambiar a la luz de estas verdades? ¿Cuáles pasos debo tomar?”

Un Devocional de nuestro libro, Andando con Jesús.

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A Perfect Design

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13, ESV).

Have you ever worked on a difficult project for several weeks? Whether a project from your professor, employer, or customer, perhaps it stretched you personally, and required more time than you originally planned. You were responsible for the design and the delivery of the project. In the end, though, everyone was delighted because all of your work was intentionally and perfectly designed for the desired outcome. You have also been perfectly designed by the Lord to accomplish His purposes for your life.

You are not a mistake. You were intentionally created by God to display His qualities to those who do not know Him and to bring honor and glory to His name. Before you took your first breath, God already knew you. You are who you are by divine design. You are not an accident. God does not make mistakes: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

God has carved out a good plan for your life. In Christ Jesus, you have all of the resources necessary for this plan to be realized. You were perfectly designed by God to accomplish His purposes for your life. No matter what breaks down around you, Jesus has the power to keep you together. He provides the strength needed to endure every challenge, from the inside out and from the outside in. Since Jesus is the designer and sustainer of your life, He is the One who holds you together.

God’s perfect work in your life is a direct result of His perfect design for your life. He wants to use your experiences, both good and bad, to display His unlimited power. He wants to use your education to teach and encourage others. He wants to use your talents, gifts, and abilities to skillfully serve His church. God wants to use your finances and material things to demonstrate His heart of generosity.

God made you by His perfect design. He has designed all that you are to be all that He wants you to be. He knows exactly how you function best. He wants to use your life for His will, and He knows just where to place you. You can trust God completely with your life. His master design is perfect for your life.

Read:  Open your Bible and read Psalm 139:1-24.

Reflect:  Prayerfully consider the following: Am I afraid to let God use every part of my life? If so, why do I have such a hard time trusting God?

Respond:  As a result of these truths, what might need to change in my attitude, beliefs, and actions? What steps do I need to take outwardly?

 The source of this content comes from our book, Walking with Jesus.

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Every Member a Minister 4 of 4

THE BASICS: Every Member a Minister

4) When are you going to do this?

  • In weekly Life Group gatherings
    We have discovered that weekly Life Group gatherings are the ideal place for doing life together. When they happen less often than every week, it is easy to get distracted by life and simply neglect meeting with other believers, except on Sundays. When a Life Group gathering is balanced with social interaction, worship of God, Bible application and intercessory prayer, there are few things that are as powerful to help us walk with Jesus on a consistent basis.
  • In occasional conversations outside of the gatherings
    Life is more than weekly gatherings. Real friendships are forged when we work at encouraging one another on a consistent basis, throughout the different stages of the year (and week.) Phone calls, texts, emails and even gathering for lunch or coffee can become wonderful tools of encouragement and growth.
  • In social situations
    One of the things that stood out about the Church in the book of Acts was their gathering on an ongoing basis for food and life! Group members can help each other in reaching out with love to others through service projects, Matthew parties and life events throughout the year (birthdays, Christmas, etc…)
  • In Church settings (services, prayer meetings, retreats, etc…)
  • The 10 Minutes BEFORE and AFTER (Connect, Invest, and Invite)
  • The power of PRAYER
  • “Is there anything I can pray about for you this week?”
  • Follow up to the prayer
  • Connection, encouragement, growth as God answers
  • More can be accomplished in a weekend retreat than in a month of sermons

5) Where are you going to do this?

  • For the majority, a home environment will be the best
  • For a few, a work or public environment will have its advantages
  • We may host ONE or TWO Life Groups at the Church to help new people take their first steps into a small group environment

Back to the Basics – Acts 2:42-47 NLT 42
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

By Russell Johnson

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Cada Miembro un Ministro 4 de 4

LO BÁSICO: Cada Miembro un Ministro

4) ¿Cuándo va a hacer esto?

  • En reuniones semanales del Grupo Vida
    Hemos descubierto que las reuniones semanales del Grupo Vida son el lugar ideal para compartir y vivir la vida juntos. Cuando éstas se hacen menos que cada semana, es fácil que la vida nos distraiga y sencillamente dejemos de reunirnos con otros creyentes, excepto los domingos.

    Cuando una reunión de Grupo está equilibrada con interacción social, adoración a Dios, aplicación de la Biblia y oración intercesora, hay pocas cosas tan potentes para ayudar a caminar con Jesús en una manera consistente.

  • En conversaciones fuera de las reuniones
    La vida es más que reuniones semanales. Verdaderas amistades se establecen cuando nos esforzamos por animarnos en una manera consistente, a través de diferentes etapas del año (y la semana.) Llamadas, textos, emails y aun citas para almorzar ó tomar un café pueden ser herramientas de ánimo y crecimiento.
  • En situaciones sociales
    Una de las cosas que sobresale de la Iglesia en el libro de los Hechos fue que se reunían constantemente para comer y vivir. Miembros pueden ayudarse el uno al otro a lanzarse con amor hacia otros por medio de proyectos de servicio, fiestas Mateo y eventos de la vida a los largo del año (cumpleaños, Navidad, etc…)
  • En Reuniones de la Iglesia (servicios, cultos de oración, retiros, etc…)
  • Los 10 Minutos ANTES y DESPUÉS (Conectar, Invertir e Invitar)
  • El poder de la ORACIÓN
  • “¿Hay algo por el cual puedo orar por usted esta semana?”
  • Darle seguimiento a la oración
  • Conexión, ánimo y crecimiento mientras Dios contesta
  • Más se puede lograr en un retiro que en un mes de mensajes

5) ¿Dónde va a hacer esto?

  • Para la mayoría, el ambiente de un hogar será el mejor
  • Para algunos, habrán ventajas en hacer en el trabajo ó en un espacio público
  • Tal vez tengamos UNO ó DOS grupos en la Iglesia para ayudar a personas nuevas a dar sus primeros pasos hacia el ambiente de grupos pequeños

Regresando a lo Básico – Hechos 2:42-47 NTV 42
Todos los creyentes se dedicaban a las enseñanzas de los apóstoles, a la comunión fraternal, a participar juntos en las comidas (entre ellas la Cena del Señor), y a la oración. 43 Un profundo temor reverente vino sobre todos ellos, y los apóstoles realizaban muchas señales milagrosas y maravillas. 44 Todos los creyentes se reunían en un mismo lugar y compartían todo lo que tenían. 45 Vendían sus propiedades y posesiones y compartían el dinero con aquellos en necesidad. 46 Adoraban juntos en el templo cada día, se reunían en casas para la Cena del Señor y compartían sus comidas con gran gozo y generosidad, 47 todo el tiempo alabando a Dios y disfrutando de la buena voluntad de toda la gente. Y cada día el Señor agregaba a esa comunidad cristiana los que iban siendo salvos.

Por Russell Johnson