THINGS WE NEED TO COPY  
Acts 2:41-47

I. Background
  A. The Lord's Church began in AD 33 at Jerusalem as seen in Acts chapter 2
  B. What they did was approved by the Lord's Apostles
  C. What they did is the example for the Church today

II. Six Things The First Church Did As Examples For Us Today
  A. They Followed God's Word  vs 42 (continued in the Apostles Doctrine)
     i) the Word caused them to repent vs 37
     ii) God's word causes us to repent , ignore our condition , or become angry
     iii) few Christians understand the need for and power of God's word in our lives
     iv) daily study is needed to understand God's working in our lives
  B. They  Practiced Stewardship  vs 45 (sold their possessions)
     i) God has always demanded that we give for his kingdom and to help
others
     ii) everyone is equal in the Lord's Church
     iii) hoarding our goods for just our needs without caring for others is sin   Jam 5:3
     iv) giving to others reflects the Lord living in us
  C. They Worshipped their Lord  vs 46 (Continued daily in the Temple)  and vs 42 (breaking of bread)
     i) they worshipped daily ; later they focused on weekly (Acts 20;7 ; I Cor. 16:1-2 )
     ii) their joy was contagious ; they brought others to experience it
     iii) worship comes naturally and is joyful to the saved
  D. They developed relationships vs 46 (ate from house to house) and vs 42 (steadfastly in fellowship)
     i) they ate together ; they spent time with other Christians
     ii) couldn't gather 3000 together ; they broke into small groups of people who were loved each other
     iii) to get full impact of being a Christian we need close friends in the Lord
  E.  They Planned For The Future  vs. 47 (found favor with the people)
     i) their actions showed to the " world " that they were different because they belonged to the Lord
     ii) when the people saw their love and good works , they wanted to be a part
     iii) Mt 5 - when they see your good works they will glorify your Lord
  F. They Practiced Evangelism vs. 46 (added to the Church daily)
     i) no evangelism program
     ii) their lives were " leaky " seed baskets
     iii) actions A-E compelled others to want to be like them