April 19th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON ACTS 

ONE IN HEART AND MIND  

Acts 4:32 “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.”  1 Corinthians 12:12-27 refers to the members of the early Christian church as “one body in Christ.” St. Paul’s words emphasize the unity that existed among the believers even though they were from diverse backgrounds. There was a profound bonding with each other, so much so, that every person was equally important. The rich looked out for the poor. The poor looked out for the rich.  

The unity of these Christians had its roots in the sacrament of Holy Baptism. No matter their background, it was through the simple water of Holy Baptism connected to God’s word they became united with Christ and through Him with one another.     

The Holy Spirit still creates this unity among Christians through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. Through this Holy Washing each baptized person by God the Father’s adoption becomes a member of His holy family. As the Bible says of His family, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) Jesus said, “there is one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:16) Jesus, in His high priestly prayer prayed to His Father in heaven that members of His body “would be one.” (John 17:11) 

A Christian congregation is a gathering of people who all believe in the one true God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Christians, gathered together as a congregation, “bear each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and through love serve one another (Galatians 5:13) because Jesus said, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34) 

Prayer: Dear Jesus, grant me oneness with You and my fellow believers. In Your holy name. Amen. 

Church of God, elect and glorious, Holy nation, chosen race;  
Called as God’s own special people, Royal priests and heirs of grace;  
Know the purpose of your calling, Show to all His mighty deeds;  
Tell of love that knows no limits, Grace that meets all human needs. 

God has called you out of darkness Into His most marv’lous light;  
Brought His truth to life within you,   Turned your blindness into sight.
Let your light so shine around you  Turned your blindness into sight.
 Let your light so shine around you  That God’s name is glorified And all find fresh hope and purpose  In Christ Jesus crucified. 

Once you were an alien people, Strangers to God’s heart of love;  
But He brought you home in mercy, Citizens of heav’n above,   
Let His love flow out to others, Let them feel a Father’s care;  
That they too may know His welcome And His countless blessings share. 

Church of God, elect and holy, Be the people He intends;  
Strong in faith and swift to answer   
Each command your Master sends Royal priests, fulfill your calling   
Through your sacrifice and prayer; Give your lives in joyful service—  
Sing His praise, His love declare.

Church of God, Elect and Glorious // LSB 646

Text: © 1982 The Jubilate Group; admin Hope Publishing Co. // Used by Permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110000198