Day 2
Ephesians 4:25-32
If you have a brother or sister, then you know that living with other people can be tough. It can be even harder for large families to get along. So imagine the problems that can arise in church of hundreds or thousands of people. Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus to be unified; but as happens in any family, problems sometimes arose.
Go back and read this passage carefully. Think about each command. Then ask God to help you identify any situation in which you may need to change your actions.
Remember, these aren't just rules; God is trying to help us have healthy relationships with him and one another.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Week 8: One Community: Sharing Among Believers
Day 1
Acts 4:32-37
Sharing isn't natural. No one has to teach a child to be selfish with his toys. That trait just comes naturally to him. But it applies to teenagers and adults as well. So how do you figure 3,000 people voluntarily selling their possessions to help other people? When the Spirit of God moves, we discover how the Spirit provides all we need--including a family of parents, brothers, and sisters to help us through life. Recognizing God's provision, Barnabas gladly chose to sell his land to aid the church. Would you be willing to do the same with your stuff? Our culture is selfish; it's time we challenged the status quo by loving each other sacrificially.
Do you believe God will provide all you need--even when you help others?
Do you truly love the people in your church?
What are some ways you can serve the people in your church this week?
Acts 4:32-37
Sharing isn't natural. No one has to teach a child to be selfish with his toys. That trait just comes naturally to him. But it applies to teenagers and adults as well. So how do you figure 3,000 people voluntarily selling their possessions to help other people? When the Spirit of God moves, we discover how the Spirit provides all we need--including a family of parents, brothers, and sisters to help us through life. Recognizing God's provision, Barnabas gladly chose to sell his land to aid the church. Would you be willing to do the same with your stuff? Our culture is selfish; it's time we challenged the status quo by loving each other sacrificially.
Do you believe God will provide all you need--even when you help others?
Do you truly love the people in your church?
What are some ways you can serve the people in your church this week?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Week 8: One Community: Sharing Among Believers
Memory Verse
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:10)
Introduction
Growing up in my church, the word fellowship meant some sort of post-worship-service gathering that involved food and coffee. And that was about it. It seemed pointless then; but looking back, I can see how important those times were. A church is a family made up of different types of people. And the only way such a diverse group can become a real family--and not just a crowd--is by spending time together.
This week we'll see the members of the early Church giving money to one another, sharing their possessions, and taking care of each other. This is what a real church family is supposed to look like. But how do we get there?
In every church God wants to build something called community, the sense that we're all connected in a real way. Serving each other, helping, loving, and giving are all ways we express real community.
Believe it or not, this can be the most exciting and life-changing aspect of our church experience. But community isn't easy to come by. It takes a deliberate choice to be a part of the people of God. once you join, the benefits are endless. This week we're going to look at how to build real community in our own churches.
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:10)
Introduction
Growing up in my church, the word fellowship meant some sort of post-worship-service gathering that involved food and coffee. And that was about it. It seemed pointless then; but looking back, I can see how important those times were. A church is a family made up of different types of people. And the only way such a diverse group can become a real family--and not just a crowd--is by spending time together.
This week we'll see the members of the early Church giving money to one another, sharing their possessions, and taking care of each other. This is what a real church family is supposed to look like. But how do we get there?
In every church God wants to build something called community, the sense that we're all connected in a real way. Serving each other, helping, loving, and giving are all ways we express real community.
Believe it or not, this can be the most exciting and life-changing aspect of our church experience. But community isn't easy to come by. It takes a deliberate choice to be a part of the people of God. once you join, the benefits are endless. This week we're going to look at how to build real community in our own churches.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Week 7: Physical Opposition: Peter, John, and the Sanhedrin
Day 3
Acts 16:22-30
Here's another story of people being happy after a beating. Look at how Paul responds. After Paul and Silas prayer, God sent a miraculous earthquake to set them free. But when the cell doors opened, Paul and Silas stayed put. What was the deal? Well, look at the result. Paul could have thought about himself and walked out with his head held high, saying, "See what my God can do?" But instead he thought about the jailer (who got saved--along with his whole family).
When there's an opportunity to show his love for people, Jesus never lets it escape. When you're physically intimidated or hurt for the name of Christ, it's very natural to think about just yourself. Paul knew God could use his beating to save someone else. This in no way means God wants those things to happen to you, but we have to look at the bigger picture when things like this occur.
Why did Paul have such little regard for himself?
Ask God to show you how good can come out of some seemingly bad situations in your life.
Acts 16:22-30
Here's another story of people being happy after a beating. Look at how Paul responds. After Paul and Silas prayer, God sent a miraculous earthquake to set them free. But when the cell doors opened, Paul and Silas stayed put. What was the deal? Well, look at the result. Paul could have thought about himself and walked out with his head held high, saying, "See what my God can do?" But instead he thought about the jailer (who got saved--along with his whole family).
When there's an opportunity to show his love for people, Jesus never lets it escape. When you're physically intimidated or hurt for the name of Christ, it's very natural to think about just yourself. Paul knew God could use his beating to save someone else. This in no way means God wants those things to happen to you, but we have to look at the bigger picture when things like this occur.
Why did Paul have such little regard for himself?
Ask God to show you how good can come out of some seemingly bad situations in your life.
Week 7: Physical Opposition: Peter, John, and the Sanhedrin
Day 2
Acts 5:17-42
They did what? How could anyone be excited about being flogged? Flogging, by the way, is not lie a spanking. It's extremely brutal and painful. So why were they rejoicing? Jesus had warned them this would happen-that they'd follow in his footsteps and be physically persecuted. So when they were beaten as Jesus was, and for the same reasons, they knew they were on the right track. They had a joy that was more important than the pain. They didn't go looking for a beating, but they endured it because Jesus had done the same thing. It's never fun to deal with persecution, but we can rejoice that we're walking in Jesus' footsteps when it happens.
Why is it hard to offer praise in the midst of suffering?
What can you focus on if you find yourself in a similar situation?
Acts 5:17-42
They did what? How could anyone be excited about being flogged? Flogging, by the way, is not lie a spanking. It's extremely brutal and painful. So why were they rejoicing? Jesus had warned them this would happen-that they'd follow in his footsteps and be physically persecuted. So when they were beaten as Jesus was, and for the same reasons, they knew they were on the right track. They had a joy that was more important than the pain. They didn't go looking for a beating, but they endured it because Jesus had done the same thing. It's never fun to deal with persecution, but we can rejoice that we're walking in Jesus' footsteps when it happens.
Why is it hard to offer praise in the midst of suffering?
What can you focus on if you find yourself in a similar situation?
Monday, June 8, 2009
Week 7: Physical Opposition: Peter, John, and the Sanhedrin
Day 1
Acts 4:1-12
Acts 4:1-12
No One said this was going to be easy. peter and john got a taste of what was to come as the religious leaders got together and told them to shut up--or else. It has to be intimidating for Peter and John to stare down these men who were more educated than them and tell them they were mission the point. but even though they were threatened, Peter and John wouldn't back down. People will pressure you--verbally, silently, or even physically--to be quiet about Christ. During times like that, you can't rely on your own power; you have to rely on God's power to give you courage and strength to stand firm. See how Peter relies on the Spirit in verse 8?
How do you respond when people try to intimidate you? Do you rely on Christ for your response?
Ask God to give you courage to stand firm when things get tough.
How do you respond when people try to intimidate you? Do you rely on Christ for your response?
Ask God to give you courage to stand firm when things get tough.
Week 7: Physical Opposition: Peter, John, and the Sanhedrin
Memory Verse
"But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." (Hebrews 10:39)
Introduction
At the entrance to the Colosseum in Rome stands a huge iron cross. It was erected to commemorate the countless number of Christians who were killed for sport in that place and throughout the Roman Empire. Scary as it may seem, throughout history people have given their lives just for claiming to be Christians ad refusing to deny Jesus. And while the Colosseum may seem millions of miles away from your daily life, persecution and death are a present-day reality for many Christians around the world today.
Peter and John knew this kind of persecution. In Acts 4:1-12 they were thrown in jail just because they were preaching the gospel. And that was just the beginning.
Our lives may never be at risk simply because we're Christians. But one of the things we'll have to deal with is opposition. Jesus said that since people hated him, they'd also hate us for not other reason than because we love God. It seems odd, but it happens.
You've probably already experienced people excluding you or making fun of you just for your beliefs. This week we're going to look at some responses to physical threats and how we can best use these situations to be witnesses for Christ.
"But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." (Hebrews 10:39)
Introduction
At the entrance to the Colosseum in Rome stands a huge iron cross. It was erected to commemorate the countless number of Christians who were killed for sport in that place and throughout the Roman Empire. Scary as it may seem, throughout history people have given their lives just for claiming to be Christians ad refusing to deny Jesus. And while the Colosseum may seem millions of miles away from your daily life, persecution and death are a present-day reality for many Christians around the world today.Peter and John knew this kind of persecution. In Acts 4:1-12 they were thrown in jail just because they were preaching the gospel. And that was just the beginning.
Our lives may never be at risk simply because we're Christians. But one of the things we'll have to deal with is opposition. Jesus said that since people hated him, they'd also hate us for not other reason than because we love God. It seems odd, but it happens.
You've probably already experienced people excluding you or making fun of you just for your beliefs. This week we're going to look at some responses to physical threats and how we can best use these situations to be witnesses for Christ.
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