Today's passage gives a glimpse at the New Testament proto-church. Beyond the build-up of believers who came in through the Good Shepherd while Jesus was still walking the Earth, we get to see the response of the first members who joined in our current environment: after Jesus ascended and the Holy Spirit had been poured out. While their actions aren't necessarily prescriptive or proscriptive of exactly everything each local body should and should not do, this gives useful insight into indicators of a healthy church.

God continues to build His church today, and while there will certainly be differences from the Acts church, there should be significant similarities, as well. Not every local body will have elders/pastors performing miracles regularly (also, just because some perform miracles and perform other signs doesn't mean they are of God--see Matthew 7.21-23). But certainly a healthy church will be in fellowship with one another, praying, teaching scriptural truths, etc.

As we read through these verses, think about what aspects we see in our Discipleship Groups, Community Groups, and across the local body of Downtown Hope. Think also about what can be improved, and share that insight with your fellow disciples, Community Group leaders, and us on the elder/pastor team--we'd love to hear from you! May the word of God continue to mold and shape us into what He desires, what would honor Him the most in the time and location in which He placed us.

[Acts 2.42-47]

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What were the apostles' teaching? [v. 42 and preceding teachings of Peter in this same chapter, e.g. yesterday's passage]

+ What does it mean that early believers "devoted themselves" to these teachings?

+ What other things were the new Church members doing in v 42?

+ In addition to teaching, what were the apostles doing? [v. 43]

+ How did this local Acts church promote unity in living out what they had been taught? [vv. 44-46]

+ What was the Lord doing while His church was actively loving one another and praising Him? [v 47]

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Are there aspects of your life where you could bring more honor to God by holding more closely to the example of the Acts church? What steps can you take this week to see this through

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Jesus Christ's mission was that of redemption, reaching those who were lost and saving those who so desperately desired salvation. There were both broad public declarations of truth to the general listening public and intentional time teaching those seeking to learn more. What steps will you take this week on both of these fronts?