The first 3 cover the individual:
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Repentance - We need to admit we are sinners and commit to turning our life over to Him. It's not just believing; believing is passive, repenting is active. I can believe in the power of sunscreen, but if I don't respond to that belief with action and apply the sunscreen, I will end up lobster like.
Baptism - "Repent and be baptized..." (Acts 2:38). If Jesus did it then why shouldn't we?? (Matthew 3:15-16)
Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit - Just like salvation is a gift we must accept, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is such, we must receive it.
The next 10 cover the essentials for helping new believers become a part of the church family:
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Devoted to Doctrine (42)- We can't let people get stuck in the "experience" of church, we need to make sure to be constantly pursuing education and growth in the Word.
Fellowship (42)- we need to move past the Sunday morning hellos and into a real connection with other believers.
Breaking Bread (42)- This refers to communion. When early Christians ate together they always included the sacrament as a sign of Christ's presence.
Prayer (42)- Not just before meals and before bed. Prayer was a constant activity.
Wonders and Miraculous Signs (43)- I can't find anywhere in the bible where it says this was only for the early church...can you???
Generosity - (44-45) "Why does God let children starve to death?" (ever been asked that??)
HE doesn't...WE DO!! If everyone gave as they are commanded to this wouldn't be a problem. (Malachi 3:9-12)
Public Gathering for Worship (46)- This is a witness to the world to the church's solidarity. A basketball player without a team to play on is just a kid with a ball.
Glad Meal Times (46)- I love how it's specified that it was glad meal times. We are meant to be glad, not grumbly. You will always have an abundance of things to complain about. Jesus was tempted, tortured, humiliated, and basically just treated like crup. Yet he didn't complain. Really, this is an area we really need to get a hold of.
Favor with People (47)- We can't always control this aspect, Church persecution is a sad reality. However there are things that are in our power. Ever had that family member that you wish you could hide in the corner and pretend they don't belong with you becuz of their behavior...don't be that person for your church family.
Growth (47)- If we meet our responsibilities in the other areas, God will take care of this part :)
No church or person is perfect. The purpose of this post is not to shine a light on the faults of today's church, but rather to help us refocus on God's plan for the church.