In the book of Acts, Luke paints a beautiful picture of the early church and how it functions.

“They were continually de- voting themselves to the apos- tles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feel- ing a sense of awe and many wonders and signs were tak- ing place through the apostles. And all who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began sell- ing their things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day, continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they wre taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart: praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord add- ed to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47

When you read about the be- ginning of the Christian church described in Acts 2, a number of characteristics jump out at you. For example, the early Chris- tians were committed to growing

in their knowledge of God and His Word so they devoted them- selves to the apostles’ teaching. It’s obvious that they wanted to grow deep in God and learn as much as they possibly could. As John Stott notes, “they under- stood that the living church is a learning church.”

The first Christians also madesharing their lives with one an- other a priority. There were no isolationists or rugged individ- ualists; they were committed to God and His Word and they were committed to growing together as one. So they spent time building healthy relationships and hang- ing out with each other. Simply put, they were constantly togeth- er for teaching and prayer, fo fel- lowship and for meals. Click here to read more...