Together as One

Reading: Acts 2:37-42

Connecting Question

What concerns do you have for younger generations?

What are your hopes for younger generations?

Prayer for Illumination

Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the Scriptures are read and your Word is proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen.

Context

Our series, Together As One, examines how the church first came together. How can Easter reflect this as we build community with each other, our community, and other Christians? When we trust in the Spirit and work TOGETHER anything is possible. We are digging deep into Acts chapter 2 through Sunday September 1. Explore the joy of community this summer at Easter!

From Pastor Sarah Henrich at EntertheBible.org:

The story of Acts tracks the progress of the Christ-centered gospel from the earliest Jesus community in Jerusalem (following Jesus’ ascension) outward to parts of Judea, Samaria, Syria, Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. Along the way, communities of believers were established and developed, baptized in the name of Jesus and gathered around prayer, Scripture study, meals, and care for one another.

Look at the Book

We continue to stay in Acts 2. Open to Acts 2:37. Peter has finished his speech. What city is he in again? Why does that matter?
Who is Peter addressing in verse 37? Who are “they?” We can never separate that Jesus’s cultural identity was a Jew.
What happened to the crowd in verse 37? Tell about a time you experienced this same feeling.
Peter has an answer about what the crowd should do next. Write down the four things that Peter suggests.
What does it mean to “repent?” Literally, turn around! Is this a good or bad word in our culture? Why?
Why is baptism important to you? Or not? Why?
Why is the baptism “in the name of Jesus?” What other things does our society “baptize” as a good thing when it may not be?
Tell about a time you forgave someone. What was it like for them? For you?
Tell about a time you were forgiven. What was it like for you? For them?
What does Acts 2:38 suggest we do with the Holy Spirit? How is that different from our lives in a consumer economy?
In Acts 2:28, the psalmist says, “you have made known to me the ways of life.” What are some ways you have sensed God leading in your life? What might that look like?
Acts 2:39 is powerful. What does say about Jesus being good news?
What happened to the crowd in verse 41-42? What did the early church look like? How does it look today?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

Taking it Home

Break bread with someone this week and reflect on what promises you want to see passed down to the next generation.

God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Grow Guide | Aug 25, 2024