In Acts chapter 2 and verses 42-47 we are given some vital characteristics of the early church, it was on the move, vital and growing. A major focus of early church life was an ongoing, constant devotion to the teaching of the leaders. There was no bible back then, only oral tradition and teaching. In our day and age, we have leaders who teach us and we have the bible. How much more we should make our bible the focus of our lives.

Fellowship was important to the early church. The Greek word here is koinonia; a fellowship centered on Jesus and with other Christians and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This should be a beautiful loving relationship of mutual submission and support. For early Christians this fellowship included eating together, particularly around the table of the Lord in Communion. Prayer was a pillar for early Christians and should under gird our lives today.

In the early church, there was a great unity and sharing of resources so that no one was in need. An awesome, reverential fear of God came on everyone and the church was a church of praise.

All of the above produced a church of power, signs wonders and miracles, with thousands being added daily. I see nothing complicated in the early church but a people walking in simple obedience and the love of God. Look at the results! When you think about it, our churches now should be no different.

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A BLOG by Norman and Jean Rawlings, authors of the book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”. Check out our web site for information on our book and more encouraging Bible based blogs. Fill out the: “contact us page” on our website and in the comments section REQUEST A FREE COPY OF A CHAPTER FROM OUR BOOK, click here: www.onthewayinlove.com