Acts 2:42-47
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This is the third week in our series on Acts and the Early Church. This sermon is called "Enjoined as a Household of Faith"
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
Connect How should the presence of God with you by his Spirit change you day to day?
Warm-Up
1. What is the difference between living with unrelated housemates and living with family?
2. What does it mean to be “enjoined as a household of faith”? (see Galatians 6:9-10)
3. How have you been blessed by being a member of Godʼs household?
Read Acts 2:42-47
4. What is the connection between the Day of Pentecost and the life of the early church?
5. Does the way we live challenge the values of the world or blend in? In what ways do you think our connectedness in community is countercultural?
6. What were the main regular practices of the church? How committed were they?
7. In what ways do you see our practices as a community reflect that of the early church?
8. What would devotion to the apostlesʼ teaching have looked like?
9. What does fellowship mean in this context? How is it different to friendship?
10. What would breaking bread have involved? Why was this so important?
11. What would have shaped the churchʼs prayer life? What do you think shapes ours?
12. How should this example shape our devotion to God?
13. Why were people in awe of the apostles? How can God use us?
14. Describe the generosity of the early church? Why was it so radical?
15. Share a time when you have experienced generosity within a community of faith. In what ways do you think you could grow in generosity towards the life of our community?
16. How do we translate their approach to possessions and meeting the needs of others?
17. What made the early church so attractive to people who didnʼt yet believe in Jesus?
18. What do you think is attractive about our community to those who do not yet believe in Jesus?
19. What difficulties might the early church have faced in keeping an authentic witness to the gospel?
20. What qualities or practices in our church family might draw in people who are new to faith or exploring Christianity?
21. What challenges do we face when we try to share the gospel in our everyday places?
- Apply
What do you need to surrender to live more like this household of faith?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for showing us the faithfulness of the early church, devoted to you, caring for one another, and shining your love to the world. Make us a true family of believers, united in your truth, generous in love, and bold in witness. Fill us with your Spirit so that our lives point others to you. Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline this Week
What are you giving your attention to actively at the moment? How is it shaping you?
For Families
- Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org
Listen, Watch, and Read
- Listen (sermon): “The Spirit Breaks Out!” by Vaughan Roberts:
https://stebbes.org/sermons/gods-spirit-filled-family/#sermons - Listen (sermon): “A new Community” by Tim Keller:
https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/a-new-community/
- Listen (series): “Commitment of a Living Church” by All Souls, Langham Place: https://www.allsouls.org/Groups/223099/C191_Commitment_of_a_Lving.aspx
- Listen (sermons): “Previous Series on the Early Church and Acts 2” by St Bartʼs:
https://www.stbarts.com.au/sermon-series/our-church
Series Resources
- Read (book): “Strange Religion” by Nijay Gupta. 📚
- Read (commentary): “The Challenge of Acts” by Tom Wright. 📚
- Read (book): “Why the Gospel” by Matthew Bates.
- Read (advanced commentary): “Acts: Witnesses to Him” by Bruce Milne.
📚 Available to borrow in the Church library
