What If We Lived Like the 1st Century? by John Cortright

Acts 2:39
On the day of Pentecost, about 3,000 souls were added to the church in Jerusalem. What did they do? Perhaps we can learn from the early church.

Acts 2:40-44
- Continually devoted to apostles' teaching
- Continually devoted to fellowship
- Continually devoted to breaking bread
- Continually devoted to prayer
- Had all things common -- sharing of their abundance as anyone had need

Devoted to teaching, to doctrine
Doctrine was not unimportant. The message of the gospel, the truth from Scripture was paramount in the first century (Acts 8:35; 17:2-3; 10-11; 28:23, 30-31). Paul warned against false doctrines (1 Timothy 1:3-7; 6:3-4). Do you know what you believe? Can you share it from Scripture?

Devoted to fellowship
We have been called to a new way of life. We need fellowship with one another -- not just once a week, but daily (Hebrews 10:19-25). We need fellowship with one another to encourage each other as the day is approaching!

Devoted to breaking bread together
Acts 2:46 We’ve been called to hospitality (Hebrews 13:1-2; 1 Peter 4:9). How many times did our Lord Jesus eat with his disciples and those to whom he ministered (Luke 14:12-14)? God wants His overseer’s to be hospitable (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8).

Devoted to Prayer
Acts 1:12-14; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; Romans 12:9-13

Had all things common -- shared their abundance
Acts 2:44-45; 32-35
“Not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own.” What a radical thought! This was not a government program but rather a conviction in the heart to live as Christ directed. They sold their property and possessions and then shared with those in need. Could this happen in our western culture today or are we too filled with covetousness and greed?
Jesus warned against greed. Luke 12:13-34; Hebrews 13:5-6
Be dependent on God, and put your trust in Him. Proverbs 3:5-10
Be content. 1 Timothy 6:8-10
Labor so you may have to give. Ephesians 4:28

Imagine if the church lived this way, not out of compulsion, but out of a desire to live like Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:42-47 This they did daily. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day.