Christians today, pattern their local churches, after the early church. The book of Acts reveals the beginnings at Pentecost. We read the message delivered by the Apostle Peter; congregations sense the power of the Holy Spirit inspired spoken word. “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do (Acts 2:37 NKJ).”

He began his response with an essential element of salvation. “Repent.” Both John the Baptist, and Christ Jesus preached a message of repentance. Those who proclaim God’s unchangeable word echo Jesus call to turn away from sin. “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish (Luke 13:3 NKJ).” Looking again at the Acts passage, we find a positive response.

“Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them (Acts 2:41 NKJ).” The following verses, (42-47) reveal three dominant characteristics of members of the New Testament church. Believers were committed, connected, and consistent. We can once more impact a world of darkness. “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:47b NKJ).”