Elements: 1.1
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Lesson base: Acts 1-2
Every family has a history - unique traditions and treasured stories of special memories.
Many will spend a great deal of money and time researching their family story, tracing their genealogy hoping to have a better idea of what their story looked like.
The christian family, or the church, has a founding story of power and hope!
The Churches beginning:
The church’s story begins in Gen. 1:1
God desired to create a place and a people who together they could build a relationship of love and relationship.
THE PLACE WAS CREATED BEFORE THE PEOPLE!
What the physical world is to humanity - place to grow and mature, perfectly situation - The church is to the People of God!
God goes into what the Bible calls covenant - Old English for contract — — THE MOST BINDING COVENANT EVER!
And we learn right off the bat that men are NOT perfect, or even close to it...
Over time, mankind reject God’s covenant.
BUT God just does not love us, he IS love!
So God puts in motion a plan that once the Old Covenant was fulfilled, a New Covenant would be made that would end in eternal salvation.
Old covenant = Old Testament
New covenant = New Testament
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
The Gospels tell the story of his fulfilling the law...
Acts 2-3 tell the story of God plan - the establishment of the Family of God - the church!
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Discussion:
What do you think it would have been to be apart of the early church?
Do you think the church today can expect to see signs and wonders today like the early church?
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
3. Why do you think the early church in spite of persecution?
4. How does the church today compare to the early church?
1. The History of THIS church: page 7
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
We are no longer strangers and foreigners.
Who is the cornerstone of the church? Jesus Christ
Why do you think that the bible compares the church to a household?
The Life Church History
Mid 1950’s
Bro. Huffman, Bro. Wasmundt, Bro. Chamberlin, myself
2. The Life Church Mission: page 8
When God saves someone, he doesn’t just leave them isolated to fend for themselves. He places people into the church. The church is on a mission to show the world how to connect more closely with a loving God and find hope in Him!
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
The church is chosen to do what?
Who are we now?
Why do you think Jesus wants to use the church to show people His marvelous light?
TLC Mission: Bringing Life to Lincoln
TLC defining verse
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
TLC Vision: Everyone a disciple, making a disciple.
Recommended Resources: page three “Follow to Lead” by Stan Gleason
3. Leaders and Ministries: page 9
Getting acquainted with the church includes getting to know the leaders and ministries. God provides the church with leaders who serve and direct the church as well as programs of the church to carry out this mission.
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Why does God give the church leaders?
Who is the standard of measurement we set as our target?
What ministries of the church do you find particularly helpful?
Ministry Team:
Pastor Kimani - African pastor
Bro. Maxwell Smith - prayer and finance
Bro. Chase Alphin - Youth and service leader
4. Church in Action: page 11
The church is never passive because we have a great mission to fulfill. Each week we are growing as we connect together to pray, worship God, share about our journey, and serve others.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
What are some of the things the early church did consistently?
How do things like studying the teachings of the Bible, praying and gathering together help us in our relationship with God?
In which of these areas are you interested in becoming more connected to the church?
The church is a thriving, growing family.
Just like a family, there are responsibilities and commitments to each other that must be kept.
Prayer and worship services are just the beginning.
The more you grow, the more you connect and serve.
The more you connect and serve, the more specific ministry and purpose is revealed.
TLC Schedule:
Sunday School: 10 am
Sunday Worship: 11 am
TLCS: 4 pm
Personal growth: 5 pm (The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon)
Tuesday prayer: 7 pm
Wednesday Bible Study: 7 pm
Preservice prayer 30 minutes before each service
Learn to set your schedule around the things of God.
Work, family, finance, marriage, recreation - establishing God first in all opens his blessing into your life!
Closing Discussion:
As our society seems to be becoming more withdrawn and divided, why do you think it is important to connect to the church?
Is there a way the church can serve you?
Is there a way you would like to get involved in the church in the future?
Action Plan: page 12
As a result of this session, I believe I need to grow in this area.
This week I will do the following to focus on this area of growth:
NEXT WEEK
Put this lesson in action this week.
Some of the blanks (page 4, 6) are meant to do on your own. Please do...
Do as a family!
Scriptural focus Rom:81.2; 14-17
Fill out the book early so we can have discussion about it in session.