'Acts - The Church in Action' - some notes from 'Week 3' of a month-long series on the book of Acts... today's message from Pastor Nicholas Tsakis...
In thinking further on what makes a great church, we read Acts as a bridge in the Bible between the teachings of Jesus and the outworking of His message to the world.
✔ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: How does the book of Acts help you navigate your daily life? What inspires you when thinking about the early church believers? How do we apply the lessons of their lives to ours today?
The Church, in its fundamental sense, was built on Jesus Christ. And it was growing daily as the believers were together.
✔ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: How does unity make a practical difference to the success of any church congregation?
The preaching of the Gospel in Acts was followed by miracles. There was clearly a declaration of God's power and authority that led to acts of the Holy Spirit.
What followed after the miracles? The challenges came. The problems surfaced.
✔ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: What's the value of a problem, a process of change or a challenge? How did the persecution actually benefit the church? How does persecution occur nowadays and how does it help you?
Two central figures in 'Acts' were Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, we read of power and witness. There are, at least, 45 mentions of the Holy Spirit or Spirit in Acts. That's clearly an indication of the importance of our comforter and guide.
The Holy Spirit is 'another of the same kind', provided for our needs and guidance.
He is a gift, for us.
✔ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: Read Acts 4:15 and see how the Holy Spirit gave the people boldness, courage and strength. Think about where you need those benefits in your life right now. What makes you tired and weak? What can we, as your fellow believers, pray for you right now?
Wanna go deeper and read more? See also Acts 4:31, 9:22, 9:31, 13:52... Not just the single verses but the context they are in.
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