The 4 Rhythms
THE 4 RHYTHMS OF DEVOTED FOLLOWERS OF JESUS
By: Pastor Dan Atwood
The church that Jesus predicted would come into existence after his ascension back into Heaven wasn’t consumer driven, lukewarm, or powerless. Rather, the church was called to be on fire, devoted, and unstoppable. As I stood in the Coliseum in Rome, our guide said its demise largely came about because so many people had become Christians and had lost their appetite for blood sport. There were no political campaigns or petitions signed, but the Gospel was changing lives. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 (MSG)... I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.
The DNA of the church was to be like leaven or a seed that although small in size had the power to grow into something substantial. In order for that to happen it doesn’t take an army, but it does take a core of sold out, church is not a hobby, devoted followers of Jesus. Kind of like the ones we see in the very first church in Acts 2.
Acts 2:36-47 | “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Verse 42 uses the descriptive word devoted. Devoted means: to firmly adhere to something, be intently engaged or be single minded. These believers were intently engaged in and focused on four rhythms that all devoted followers of Jesus have in common:
Devoted followers intensely LOVE God through worship - This early church didn’t say things like “my church isn’t meeting my needs,” or “didn’t play my kind of music.” They understood that worship wasn’t primarily for them, but for Jesus. I love that they asked, “what shall we do?” They weren’t simply told to go to church once a week. They went on to do something that people who lack devotion would maybe consider excessive - they worshipped God daily. A church service was just gravy on top as they worshipped God while they worked at their jobs, praised God throughout the day, and grew in their faith in small groups. Devoted believers fight to maintain the rhythm of worship in their life because they understand it is the key discipline that empowers everything else.
2. Devoted followers intentionally GROW in a small group - This is a new rhythm that many have to develop because we often approach life with a “me” mentality instead of a “we” mentality. Although God loves the individual, his most potent tool to develop us are small spiritual families that we call small groups. God has always lived in community (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) and is in the business of putting people into families. Jesus went on to model this truth by organizing his guys into a small group, and the early church did exactly the same thing. Devoted followers are all about growth so intentionally overcome any obstacles that stand in the way of participating in life giving community.
3. Devoted followers sacrificially SERVE on a team - It never even entered these early Christians minds to simply “go to church” as a spiritual consumer and receive and then go home. The life of Jesus within them, who came to serve and not be served, was just looking for opportunities to plug in. Notice the words everyone and all in the text. Nobody was sitting on the bench but had reported for duty. The operative word in weak and dying churches is somebody. Somebody ought to do something about that gap or need. But in unstoppable churches, the operative word is everybody. Serving is rarely convenient and requires sacrifice, but those who step up get the joy of partnering with God to build his kingdom.
4. Devoted followers boldly SHARE God’s love - Vs. 47 says that the church “enjoyed the favor of all the people.” I don’t think that happened by judging, avoiding, blending in or attacking people on social media. God didn’t remain distant in Heaven and shout his love to the world. He moved right into the neighborhood. This early church followed the Lord’s example as they shared God’s love up close and personal. They served people by sharing the gospel, but also by sharing good deeds. As a result, the “Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Can you even imagine how exciting that must have been? I’ve never seen a time when people are more scared, lonely, anxious and depressed than right now. People are desperate for hope. Devoted Jesus followers make the choice to boldly get over themselves and share God’s love with others.
I don’t know about you but I never want to lose my devotion for Christ. I want to be a part of an unstoppable church. I want to be counted among the core that are practicing the rhythms of Love, Grow, Serve, and Share. I want to be a part of a move of God where the “Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” What about you?