Saturday, May 25, 2024
Speaker: Andy Rectenwald, Oregon Campus Pastor
BOTTOM LINE: The church is a family worth the risk.
Matthew 12:48-50 (NLT) Jesus asked, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he pointed to his disciples and said, "Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!"
Ephesians 1:5 (NLT) God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Matthew 18:20 (NLT) "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them."
Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Acts 2:37-47 (NLT) Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away - all who have been called by the Lord our God." Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!" 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. 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.
How can I devote myself?
How can I be amazed?
How can I be generous?
Song Links:
The Lord Will Provide - YouTube // Spotify
Living Hope - YouTube // Spotify
Togetherness - YouTube // Spotify
Discussion Questions:
Icebreaker: Do you have a sibling you are close with or a friend who is as close as a brother?
Why might it feel like the church family is not worth the risk?
Read Acts 2:37-47. What do you learn about the church family of the first century? How is it similar and different to your church family today?
The passage above refers to believers being devoted, amazed, and generous. Which area do you need to grow in? What is one thing you can do this week to be more devoted, amazed, or generous?