Acts

The church is:…

Foundation of the church-Holy Spirit..

Apostles saw selves as witnesses to the resurrection-1:22

2:42-devoted selves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer..-all centered on celebrating Jesus…ongoing fellowship of believers.

Persecuted Church…history of persecution/martyrdom. Today…always a remnant..commitment to something larger/greater than own life.

God’s Sovereignty-persecution in Jerusalem…Paul’s conversion, escapes from prison, spread to Rome.

-Paul vs. Judaizers.-freedom vs. rules. Difference between life under Law/life of Grace. Obedience is result of relationship not requirement.

Acts 17:17-Paul reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Greeks as well as in the marketplace day by day with those…

What is the church…

…the people led by God-s

…founded on Christ-w

…empowered by Holy Spirit-s

What is it’s function…

…sharing lives: devotion to the fellowship-bond of Christ. Each has certain natural connections with certain people…make use of time we spend together. much deeper than friendship...prioritizing/making time to make time with brothers/sisters in Christ…iron sharpens iron. Devotion to one another in Christ. (Fellowship of the Ring)-facing all things together. Look around room…how well do we all know each other here. Do you know struggles of others…do people here know your struggles…do you feel comfortable enough to share them (if not…sorry we haven’t gotten close enough yet). God wants a safe environment…not to gossip/spread rumors…

…sharing lives: possessions/resources; open home for youth, meeting places, kids’ events …add up property we all have in common… (investment into people??)

… devotion to the fellowship-teaching/learning/growing-knowledge of who we are in Christ.

…to share story…evangelize, telling, modeling Acts 1:8 How to tell your story...have someone tell their story (What’s your 13?-video?) Help them tell their own story. How can you share it? Share how God has helped you overcome

…share the power….prayer…make back area prayer room (creative name). Decorate doorway. People can go back on own…have someone available to pray with them. Darker lighting in there.

…honoring martyrs…founded on Christ…built on blood of the faithful