The Essential Message of the Church
The book of Acts chronicles the birth of the Christian church and the essential message of Jesus.
Talking Points:
- The Essential Message is that Jesus came to rescue you. Jesus is Lord as demonstrated through his life, death, and resurrection from the dead. Acts 2:23-24
- The first wrong response is religion. This is legalism, which says I have to live a good life in order to be saved.
- The second wrong response is relativism. This is believing that since I’m saved, it doesn’t matter how I live.
- The right response to the essential message is faith. It’s more than just knowing the facts. It’s putting your total trust in Jesus and his work on the cross. Acts 2:38
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share your faith journey. Who was instrumental in that journey?
- Read Acts 2:23-24. Why did Jesus have to suffer and die for us? How does our sin get in the way of a relationship with God?
- How have you seen religion derail people from pursuing God? What does a legalistic attitude look like and why is it unappealing to a seeker?
- How do you see relativism among your friends and family? How do you think God feels about that attitude?
- Read Acts 2:37-38. What must we do in response to this essential message? Why is the Holy Spirit important to our growth and maturity?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
The Essential Mission of The Church
The apostles followed Jesus for three years, watching him perform miracles and announce the Kingdom of Heaven. But after his resurrection, they almost got sidelined from their true mission.
Talking Points:
- Many Christians get sidelined by ignorance-they don’t know their mission. But Jesus gave a clear commandment: go make disciples. Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8
- Other Christians get sidelined by information. They seek deeper Bible knowledge yet never share the simple message they already know. Acts 1:6-7
- Most Christians get sidelined by comfort. In the early church, it took persecution for Christians to leave their homes and make disciples. Acts 8:1
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have you ever been sidelined for some reason in your life? (career, sports, ministry) How did that impact you?
- Read Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8. How do you think most Christians view these passages? Why do you think many Christians miss the call to action in these verses?
- In your own words, define what it means to be a mature Christian. How can just seeking information get in the way of the mission? How should it help the mission?
- Read Acts 1:6-7. What are some other issues where Christians tend to get in the weeds, distracting them from the more important things?
- Read Acts 8:1. Our world is full of turmoil right now. How will you step out boldly for Jesus and fulfill the mission he’s given us?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
The Essential Foundation of the Church
As the powerful, life-changing word of God, the Bible has always been the church’s foundation. We make it our foundation by shaping our ideas and choices around its wisdom.
Talking Points:
- Scripture was essential to the early church. The apostles anchored their teaching and ministry in Scripture. This defined what was most important to them. Acts 2:42, Acts 15:35
- The first Christians knew that the Scriptures are the word of God, and thus have divine power to change people’s lives. Acts 4:24-25, Hebrews 4:12
- Christians today must be committed to the same foundation. We must let God’s word define what we think and dictate how we live. Acts 17:11-12, 2 Timothy 3:16
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share a time you tried to build something without viewing the instructions. How did that project turn out?
- Read Acts 15:35. Why would Paul and Barnabas describe the Scriptures as the word of the Lord. What are the implications of that phrase?
- How would you describe people’s view of the Bible in our culture today? How about in the Church?
- What would you say currently dictates how you think and feel about life?
- Read Hebrews 4:12. Identify all that this verse says about God’s word. How do you need to let God’s word penetrate your heart and mind more?
- Share a time you read God’s word and felt great conviction over something. How did that insight impact your life?
- Read Acts 17:11-12. Describe the attitude of the Bereans. What can be learned from the way they approached their pursuit of God?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
The Essential Power of the Church
The Holy Spirit is the essential power given to all who believe in Jesus Christ. It gives us the ability to make disciples and to align our lifestyles with God's commands.
Talking Points:
- The mission of the church is impossible without the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives us the ability to share and others the ability to hear. Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-4
- The essential power isn’t just for some, it’s for all who believe. The Holy Spirit is the promised “blessing on all nations”. Genesis 12:2-3, Acts 2:5-6
- The Holy Spirit is essential for every part of our lives today. He’s the reason Christians can actually be obedient to God. Ezekiel 36:26-27, John 14:23, Galatians 5:24-25
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have you ever felt faced with an impossible task? Explain. How did it turn out?
- Read Acts 2:1-4. If you were there that day, how do you think you would’ve responded to what you were seeing? What do you think the wind, fire and different languages being spoken demonstrated for the people?
- Read Acts 2:14. Peter was a guy who had denied Jesus and had experienced doubt. How do you see boldness in Peter from this verse? Have you ever had to stand up for Jesus publicly? Explain.
- Share about your salvation story. How did God show himself to you and who helped you on your journey?
- Read Galatians 5:24-25. In your own words, what does it mean to crucify your fleshly desires? How has the Holy Spirit empowered you to have victory in your life?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Essential Connections in the Church
In a healthy church the Christian life is shared with others. Use this 5-point checklist to see how your community life stacks up against the early church from the second chapter of Acts.
The Checklist:
- Are you learning God’s word with others? Commit to a mentoring relationship and/or a small group where you can submit to God’s word together. Acts 2:42
- Are you growing closer to God and others through prayer? When you pray in a group you don’t just connect with God; you get closer to each other. Acts 2:42
- Are you generous to those around you? The early church intentionally decreased their standard of living for the sake of the common good. Acts 2:45
- Do you spend time with others? Time is a precious commodity, and where we spend it shows who is important to us. Acts 2:46
- Are you hospitable to others? Breaking bread is an act of worship and a powerful symbol of fellowship with Christ. Acts 2:46
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Describe your experience with church growing up. What were some positives and negatives of those experiences?
- Share about meaningful community in your life. Where have you found it and why were you drawn to it? How have people made you feel like you belong?
- Read Hebrews 10:25. How have you viewed your church attendance/involvement up to now? How does this verse challenge you?
- Read Acts 2:42. Describe what devoted means to you. Would you say you have a devotion to Bible study and prayer? How can you grow in this area?
- Read Acts 2:45. Share about a person who has been generous to you. How did that impact your life? Share a time you were generous to someone. How did that impact their life?
- Read Acts 2:46. How can you be more hospitable? What is a practical step you can take this month to grow in this area?
- How do small groups/mentoring help us to grow in our relationship with God? In your opinion, why is there value in sharing your faith with others?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Essential Service in the Church
The Church is called to serve the poor and powerless in Jesus’ name. This demonstrates God’s love and opens peoples’ hearts to hear the gospel.
Talking Points:
- The early church was committed to helping the poor and powerless because Jesus was. They were willing to address the underlying conditions of people’s pain. Acts 10:38, Acts 3:4-6
- Christians carried on this love for needy people throughout history. Bible-believing Christians led the way in abolishing slavery, protecting exploited women and children, developing hospitals and more. 1 John 3:17-18
- When we serve others, it paves the way for the message of Jesus. The strongest proof of our message is not a rational argument but our practical love for people. Matthew 5:14-16
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How have you served others that didn’t involve finances? How has someone helped you in your life that had nothing to do with money?
- What interactions have you had with people in need in your community? How have those experiences impacted you?
- Read Acts 3:3-6. Describe how Peter and John viewed their interaction with the beggar. How did a physical healing impact that man’s life more than any amount of money he could’ve been given?
- Read 1 John 3:17-18. How do these verses challenge you? How will you challenge yourself to do more in your community?
- Read Matthew 5:14-16. Why do actions speak louder than words? How can meeting a physical need open the door to faith conversations in the future?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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