Discovering L.I.F.E.

Groups at Vision Church

Tonight we will look at the Basic Elements of Christian Group Life. Read Acts 2:40-47 Acts 2:4047 (ESV) 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation. 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. The Fellowship of the Believers
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And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Purpose of this study: To help group members see a biblical example of community, nurture, worship and mission in operation in the early church. Background and introduction: Read Acts 2:1-12(ESV) The Coming of the Holy Spirit When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
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Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabianswe hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God. 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, What does this mean? Describe what is happening:

 Questions
1. Summarize in your own words what their fellowship (KOINONIA) was like.

2. How might the group life in the early church have been in sharp contrast to the crooked generation they were being saved from, and why do you think its different?

3. How might being in a small group with other Christians help you to be saved from THIS crooked generation? a. In what sense can a small group of Christians live a contrasting lifestyle from other lifestyles in todays society?

4. Read verse 42. How did the new converts express their commitment? a. What is meant by the phrase they devoted themselves to? b. What does their devotion tell you about the foundation of their life together? c. To what things in your life are, you most devoted. d. How can we increase our commitment to the things mentioned in verse 42? e. What experiences have any of you had in other small groups where a strong commitment was evidenced?

5. Reread verses 43-47. Note the last sentence: and the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. What could the non-Christians have observed in the Christian community, which drew them to salvation? a. How did the believers regard their earthly possessions? b. How might this have been a sign of true conversion to the outsiders? c. Would you consider these people richer or poorer for believing in Christ? Why?

6. Look at verse 47 again. How would you compare Gods role in salvation with the role of Christians in evangelism?

7. What changes in lifestyle do we need to make to be a clearer sign to the outsiders that Christ has made a difference in our life?

 Summary The group of early Christians was committed to the apostles teaching, which we now have in the New Testament. Study of the apostles teaching provides nurture for our small group. They were also devoted to fellowship (koinonia). They broke bread together, prayed together, shared possessions and met in each others homes. This is a biblical example of community life which we hope to follow. We also observed their commitment to regular worship. They daily attended the Temple; they ate with glad and generous hearts, praising God! We want to learn to worship as and pray as they did.

Outreach (Mission) was a natural result of their life together. Signs and wonders were
done; they had favor with all the people; and the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Pray: Share the name of a friend whom you hope God will add to the Christian fellowship. Pray for those named.