Stories of Faith

Acts 2:43-47

Connecting Questions

What would an ideal family gathering look like in your world?

Who would be hard for you to sit down across the table from?

Prayer for Illumination

Let us pray, Loving God, we pause today grateful for this next breath. We are grateful for the chance to connect with others today for we all carry such hurts and hope. Open your Word to us. Open our hearts to let your word speak to us and change our lives. We pray in the name of the Jesus, Amen.

Context

This Sunday, we begin a new sermon series, Stories of Faith. These stories focus on Biblical characters who exemplify the Easter values of worship, care, learn, give, and connect and encourage us to share our own stories. The Church began with the gift of the Holy Spirit to a community of vastly different people, but all connected by faith in Jesus. The book of Acts is also sometimes called the “Gospel of the Spirit.” Why do you think that might be? Scholars believe Luke and Acts were two parts of one larger story. So, don’t miss that if you need help with the book of Acts, Luke might be able to help!

Don’t miss Deacon Krista Lind’s sermon in the Why We Worship series. She uses the book of Colossians, and her sermon can be found at Easter.org/worship.

From Pastor Sarah Henrich at EntertheBible.org:

The Acts of the Apostles portrays Jesus’ followers from their days with the risen Jesus in Jerusalem to Paul’s mission in Rome. Initial chapters focus on the life of the early community of believers in Jerusalem and the work of the Holy Spirit among them. Called, inspired, and even driven by the Holy Spirit, the apostles spread the gospel throughout northern Mediterranean lands. The story of Paul’s call to spread the news of Jesus is the central emphasis of the second half of Acts. The final verse of Acts summarizes the book’s themes: welcome of all, bold proclamation and teaching about the kingdom of God and God’s plan as unstoppable.

Look at the Book

Open Acts 2: 43-47. This passage may feel like looking at a Norman Rockwell painting; is it real? What makes a church community special?
There were four elements in this early Christian community. What are they? Which one resonates with you today?
One of the four practices is intentionally turning outward to others. Which one?
Fellowship is listed as a defining practice. What is going on in our contemporary society that works against that practice?
Verse 43 begins with a work of God. What is it? Have you experienced this? When?
What do you think “wonders and signs” are? Apostle is a Greek word that means “the ones who are sent out.” Could you be an apostle and thus do signs and wonders too?
Verse 44 gives a compelling portrait of what community looks like. How do you practice this today? How does Easter Lutheran Church?
Verse 45 is challenging. Why? How is it also good news? What is a need that you see that is not being addressed yet?
What practices are you drawn to in verses 46-47? What would fill your cup in your life at this moment?
Verse 46 shows us a weekly rhythm of temple and home. What are barriers to making the connection between home and “temple?”
The end of verse 47 shows the result of living and practicing the way of Jesus. What is the result? Why does that matter?
What do you want to talk about that has not been brought up yet?

Taking it Home

Kids and grandchildren are choosing to be less connected to a church community. What has it meant for you to be connected to Easter? Why might this passage from Acts help other generations find their home in a church?

What is one practice from this passage you’d like to explore more? Write the name of someone here who could do so with you.

Grow Guide | July 2, 2023