Acts 2:42-3:10

They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and in prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.
1 Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.
4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, "Look at us!" 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting a gift. 6 But Peter said, "I don’t have any money for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" 7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and anklebones were healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. 9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded!
ALIVE AND GROWING (by Chris Bunch)
The last six verses of chapter 2 is a recipe for a healthy and growing church. The early church set a list of core values and we find them in these verses. I think an easy way to figure out this recipe and these values is to look at the verbs in this passage. (Take a moment and figure out the verbs now before you continue reading. I think it will help you understand this passage better and the ingredients for the recipe for a growing church.)
O.k., now what verbs did you assume would be listed for a healthy church? What ones surprised you? If you counted the verbs you would find that there are two verbs that are used multiple times. One is the word "met" (vs. 44,46) and the other is the word "shared" (42,44,45,46). The early church was a "meeting and sharing people" and if we are to be a healthy church we must do the same.
In our culture, the norm is to cut ourselves off from others and only take care of our own interests. However, if you are a follower of Christ, it is your responsibility to take care of the needs of other people in your church. The best way to meet the needs of others is to get connected to a small group. Because the reality is there is only so much meeting and sharing you can do on Sunday morning, but in a small group you are able to do this for a longer time, that truly develops rich friendships.
So, let me give you two challenges. First, are you in a small group? If not, why not? Take the time next Sunday and just take the plunge. Sign up for a small group and start meeting and sharing. Second, if you are in a small group, what have you done lately to reach out to someone in the group? Maybe you could send a card, make a meal, offer to watch someone’s kids so they can go out on a date. Take the time now and decide one thing you will do this month to share love with someone in your group.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for always being willing to meet with me and sharing your one and only Son, Jesus Christ. Help our church to be alive and healthy and growing like the early church. Help me to take the risk to try a small group or meet the needs of someone in my small group. I pray in Jesus name, Amen.