Open with prayer.
Get to Know You (10 Minutes)
If you could have anyone to your home for dinner, from any point in history, who would you invite and why?
Observation & Discussion (30 Minutes)
Acts 4:41-42
“Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
Acts 2:43-47
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
1. Look at Acts 2:43. What do you think it meant to be in ‘awe’ for the early church? Have you experienced a time in life where you felt this way because of what God was doing in and around you?
2. What makes this community different from what you experience today? What is similar?
3. This community was devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, sharing meals and prayer. Which one of these are most important to you or a strength in your life?
4. From both passages, what characteristics or actions of this early church community stand out to you and why?
5. How can this type of authentic community minister to the church and people outside of the church?
Next Step (10 Minutes)
What is one step you and your group can take this week to grow in generosity?
Prayer Requests (5 Minutes)
Pray with your group to close.
Challenge
Don’t miss our Community Giveback this week. We are partnering with our local mission partners: Help and Hope Center, SECORs Free Food Market and Manna Ministries. Click HERE to find out more information and join in!