Consider for a few moments what the early New Testament Church might have been like. List several characteristics that you think may have distinguished it from the Synagogue or other religious or social groups mentioned in the Bible:

Read I John 1:1-4...

What types of evidence were presented to the disciples that convinced them about the nature and message of the Lord Jesus? (vs.1,2)

What was the basic message that John and the other Disciples received from the Lord? (vs.2b)

John had a strong emotional/spiritual response to the message of Jesus (vs.4). How do you think this emotion revealed itself in John's life, that is, what outward things would we have seen in him?

Read Romans 14:13-19

In verse 17, Paul makes the Kingdom of God sound like it is very much at the heart of the Church. What is the Kingdom of God like according to this passage?

According to this passage (vs.18,19), what do the Christian “do” in response to the fact that they are part of the Kingdom of God?

Briefly describe what you think would be the sacrifice involved and the benefits given by God if the members of a church were wholly committed to see this passage (vs. 17-19) become a reality: Sacrifice Rewards/Benefits

In the following passages, what are some of the ways in which the Holy Spirit ministers to believers? How does He help them and what does he help them to do?:

Ezekiel 36:27 (a prophecy concerning the work of the coming Holy Spirit)

Acts 1:8

I John 3:24

John 14:16,26

II Timothy 1:14

[Note: treasure = “testimony” (vs.8) “gospel” (vs.10), “sound words” (vs.13)]

When the members of the New Testament Church wanted to get the full effects of the Holy Spirit's ministry in their life, what did they believe God for?:

Ephesians 5:18

Galatians 5:13-17

Summarize in your own words what we must do to appropriate the Holy Spirit's full effect in your life:

Let's pray for the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our life, that it may come in all its fullness...