Reading
Acts 1:1-2:47
Truth for Today
In an effort to appeal to people's interest, the church today emphasizes a great amny different programs, methods, and approaches. "Culturally relevant" worship services emphasizing music and drama have become increasingly popular. Secular psychology, management techniques, and advertising strategies have all made significant inroads into the life of the church. Seminars on everything from how to have a good marriage to how to handle money abound. Not all of those things may be harmful. Some, in their place, may even be helpful. But what has too often been sacrificed in the flurry of activities and programs is the priority of preaching. The first event following the empowering of the Holy Spirit was Peter's sermon. It led to three thousand conversions and launched the church at Jerusalem. The book of Acts is largely the record of apostolic preaching. Preaching has always remained central to the church's mission.
Reflecting on the Text
1. In Acts, there is always a close connection between the activity of God's Spirit and the proclamation of the gospel. Time and time again those who experience the baptism or filling of the Spirit begin immediately speaking with others the truth about God and His Son, Jesus Christ. How vocal are you about the things of God? To what do you ascribe this?
(Verses to consider: Acts 1:8; 2:4, 17; 4:8, 31; 6:10; 10:44-46; 13:9; 19:6)
2. These early believers had no building of their own to meet in. What does that tell you about what the "church" really is?
3. Reflect on your prayer habits (and your church's commitment to prayer). What specific, practical step can you take this week to emulate the early church in this area?
4. Ask God to make you faithful to serve, give, and pray so that our church might become all that God wants it to be.
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4 comments:
1. I am probably not as vocal as I should be. I attempt to share my beliefs with others that I just meet by talking about church, the Lord, Christian school etc. Sometimes others then ask questions, which opens the door to talk more about the Lord.
2.It is the people, not a building.
3.Seeking the Lord even in the little things, and patiently waiting for HIs response.
1. I am very vocal about the Gospel and the things that God has done in my life. I ascribe this to the difference the truth has made in my life. I am convinced of the life changing power of God and His Word.
2. The church is a group of people who having saving faith in Christ and assemble together to accomplish His plan.
3. Start the day and spend the day in an attitude of prayer.
1. I think in school and in church i am very vocal and not afraid to share but i think i need to share the gospel with people other than in church and school too.
2. a bunch of people gathered together to worship God because they truly love him, the people shouldn't care where they are but who the are serving.
3. pray more for others than myself.
1. Probably not as vocal as I should have been. Often times I am too distracted with other things or simply ignore the importance of sharing the gospel.
2. The church is us (the believers) not a building. We don't need infrastructure to be the church.
3. Praying and asking for his advice in everything. Persevere and make sure that I am in constant relationship with him.
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