Cultivating A Contagious Community

So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them. —Acts 2:41

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. —Acts 2:42-47

1 . Devote Yourself To The

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. —Acts 2:42

Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. —Acts 2:43

2 . Develop a Heart of

Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. —Acts 2:44–45

Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need. —Acts 4:32–35

“Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds of the land? Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to people but to God.” —Acts 5:3–4

Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. —2 Corinthians 9:7

3 . Develop A Mentality of

Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. —Acts 2:46–47