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. Acts 2:42-47
If we look
at the first church, after the day of Pentecost, as the attendance increased to
3,000 in one day, we could get a good idea what churches should be doing. Remember, “church” means individual
believers. It’s whatever everyone should
be doing, not just the staff.
1.
They loved the Bible
2.
They loved being
together
3.
They did communion
4.
They prayed together
5.
They shared their
resources
6.
They met as much as
they could together
7.
They ate together
8.
They praised together
9.
They received guests
on a regular basis
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. With great
power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there
were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or
houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it
at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Acts 5:32-35
Later on,
we see the church in Acts 5 continue to meet the needs of the people and show
great power through giving.