Week 2 | Followers of the Way | Resurrection Community
SUMMARY
The early church exploded with growth and had to figure out how to disciple all these new converts. The actions and values of the early church set an example for us of what a healthy church looks like. Acts 2:42 says the early church was devoted (persistent in the face of adversity) to the apostle’s teaching, to fellowship with one another and prayer.
The apostle’s teaching was first and foremost the witness to the teachings and supremacy of Christ. Over time these teachings were written down, through the supernatural inspiration of the Spirit of God and became the New Testament gospels and epistles.
The word behind “Fellowship” is the concept of “Koinonia”- which means a shared participation. It was more than just a sunday morning thing, they gathered together daily and ate in each others homes- breaking bread and sharing meals. They cared for each other’s needs sacrificially.
And they were devoted to prayer in the face of adversity.
God blessed the early church as they were faithful in their devotion. We are reminded that God is responsible for the fruit, while we are called to be faithful as a community and as individual disciples of Jesus.
TALK IT OUT
•Read Acts 2:36-41. What do you think it would have been like to experience such a radical response from the people. If you were an apostle, what emotions would you be having?
•Read Acts 2:42. What things were the people devoted to? Put it in your own language.
•What spiritual practice could you add to your life tomorrow that would increase your devotion and relationship to God? What do you need to do in order to begin?
•Read Acts 4:32-35. How is this similar to Acts 2:42-47? Have you ever witnessed anything like this? What impact do you think this kind of generous living would have on our relationship with unbelievers.
•What unique perspective and gifts has God given you that could be leveraged for the service of others?
•What keeps us from walking in radical generosity and sharing as the early church did?
•How would you rate our church community and your personal practices in your devotion to the Word, Fellowship and Prayer?
DEEPER DIVE (Sources cited and recommended reading)
The Lost World of Scripture – Walton and Sandy