This week’s bulletin YouVersion Bible App Listen to the podcast of this week’s message on Spotify
Small Group Guide:
Open with prayer.
Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?
If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.
Message Outline:
Throughout this sermon series we are looking parts of God’s Word that involve the church. We’re talking about why we need the church, what the church is, what the purpose of church is, and common ways that the church gets off track. Today, we’re looking at what the first church looked like. By taking a look at what the first church looked like, we can learn what it means to be a part of the church today:
Being a part of the church means:
Acts 2:42
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
1. Being wholeheartedly committed
Rom. 16:17, Eph. 4:16, 1 Cor. 1:10, John 17:11
Acts 2:44, 46
And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
2. Being intentionally relational
Heb. 10:24-25, Eph. 4:32, Col. 3:12-15
Acts 2:45
And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
3. Being financially invested
2 Cor. 9:6-8, Prov. 3:9, Acts 20:35
Reflection Questions:
- Have you ever studied or hear this passage preached on before? What stood out to you?
- Take a look at the 3 aspects of being a part of the church. Which one do you do best? Which one do you need to work on the most?
- What is your biggest take away from this message? What did God teach you? Do you feel led to put anything into action? If so, what, and what practical step(s) do you need to take to be obedient to what God has led you to do? Who can keep you accountable to accomplishing this?
Prayer Time:
Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.
Staying Missional:
Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:
Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
What’s next?
Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?