Community - Cause - Jesus

/ New Minas Baptist Church/

Pastor Chris preaches about community from Acts 2:41-47! We are better together!

Sermon Outline & Reflection

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Outline

I. The SPIRIT ENABLED the APOSTLES to share the goodness of God in other languages.

II. followers of Christ DEVOTED THEMSELVES TO:
1. The Apostle’s teaching
2. The Fellowship
3. The breaking of bread
4. The prayers

III. FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST GATHERED IN THE TEMPLE AND IN THEIR HOMES.

IV. FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST WILL BE KNOWN AS HIS DISCIPLES BY THEIR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER.

Reflect & Discuss

  • Warm-Up: How would you define “community?” Besides loving, what does a healthy Christian community look like?

  • Read: Acts 2:41-47

  • Pray: Ask God to bless your study and discussion.

Questions:

  1. Why is baptism so closely tied to receiving/believing (see Acts 2:41)?

  2. What did the early church devote themselves to? What are the four marks of the Church (see 2:42)? What happens when we neglect these practices? Reflect on each practice.

  3. God has given us creative minds and technology. How do we remain devoted to these practices while maintaining social distancing during a pandemic?

  4. The early Christians “had all things in common,” a situation that is described further in verse 45.

    1. How would you feel about holding your personal possessions at the disposal of others, as needs arise?

    2. Read Matthew 19:16-26. Was Jesus testing the rich young man?

    3. Since God does not prohibit the private ownership of property, what are we to learn from the practice of the early Church and Jesus’ encounter with the rich young man?

Application: Jesus said that everyone would know us by the love we have for others (John 13:35). What are some practical ways we can show love for our Christian sisters and brothers, and for those in our community this week?