THE PATTERN “Living with Devotion” Matthew 16:18 I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Church is the Greek word ekklesia. It’s the gathering, it’s the congregation, it’s the assembly of people connecting with people around the man Christ Jesus. The church is a group of people who have been called out of darkness and called together by the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s Word is our pattern for success. Deuteronomy 6:5-10 And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. 10 “The LORD your God will soon bring you into the land he swore to give you when he made a vow to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is a land with large, prosperous cities that you did not build. Definition of a pattern is something that is used as an example, especially to copy:. The local church is the hope of the world! We are the living body of Christ and we are here to make a difference in this world before we get off the planet! Living with devotion When you make a decision to follow Christ, there is an expectation and an understanding that this will be a life of devotion. Definition of “devotion”: profound dedication and attachment to a cause or person. Pure devotion is a focused, undistracted life, fully committed and fully loyal. Many well-meaning Christians often lose the life of devotion and end up trying to “do devotions” instead. The New Testament Church came together and they were incredibly devoted to the mission. The church is a life-changing force on the earth. The Church is an army of Christ followers, united together, empowered by the Holy Spirit changing the world. God wants us living with DEVOTION. He wants us living with passion and vision. Acts 2:1-8 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 “And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? The Holy Spirit comes upon believers and empowers them to reach the nations. God’s Spirit still empowers believers to live fully devoted to the life of Jesus. The pattern was never dead religion. Dead religion is when people try to approach God and please God based on the works of men. John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever 17 “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. Living a Life of Devotion produces prosperity, healthy relationships, joy and authority in the spiritual realm. When you’re baptized in the Holy Spirit, there is a boldness and an authority given in the spiritual realm. 7 truths about living with DEVOTION! Living with devotion is a result of a divine interruption! Living with devotion positions us for the “suddenly-s of God.” Devotion is God's plan of rescue is His Church! Devotion is a result of true repentance. Devotion is a result of identification with Christ. Devotion is the result of Holy Spirit baptism. Devotion is not optional! Statistics about the pulse of our nation: Of the 100M Americans that attend church regularly, over 50% do not have an assurance of their salvation. 95% of American Christians are unaware of the Person or ministry of the Holy Spirit. Only 2% of American Christians regularly share their faith with others.