1) Listen to Podcast
2)GG Questions
10/18/2020
Fulfilling God’s Dream: The New Community
Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37
1. They Devoted Themselves To: Many Christians believe the books of Acts ought to serve as a model for how
we should practice our faith as the Church today. Take a look at the things the early church “devoted
themselves to” in Acts 2:42. Of these three, which do you lean towards? Which is easiest / hardest for you
personally?
“ They devoted themselves to … the apostles teaching ”
Compare the account in Acts 2 to another revival movement in Nehemiah 8. Look especially at Nehemiah
8:1-3, 7-8. Why will it always be necessary for the people of God to devote themselves to teaching ?
“ They devoted themselves to … the fellowship / the breaking of bread ”
The church in Acts was a house church movement: Acts 1:13-14; 2:1-2, 42, 46; 8:3; 20:7, 20. What are the
strengths (and limitations) of such organic organization?
“ They devoted themselves to … the prayers ”
Many critical turning points in the book of Acts hinge on the church in prayer (Acts 1:14; 4:29-31; 6:4; 10:9;
12:5, 12; 13:3; 16:25 ). We often talk about waiting for God to act. Could it be that God is waiting for us to
pray?
2. They Had All Things in Common : The scandal of Acts 2 comes in verses 44-45: “All who believed … had all
things in common. And they were selling their possessions … and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had
need.” How would you respond to the accusation that the Bible teaches communism (Acts 5:4)? More
importantly, if care for the poor was so central to the early church (Acts 4:32-37; 6:1; 11:28-30 ), has it
remained central to the church today? Or have we offloaded that responsibility to other groups?
3. The Lord Added to Their Number : Another distinctive element of the book of Acts are ‘salvation summary
statements’ ( 4:4; 5:14; 6:7; 11:24; 12:24; 13:49; 16:5; 19:20 ) like we find in 2:47, “And the Lord added to their
number day by day those who were being saved.” Do you think such progress was characteristic only of that
early era when “many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles,” or that such growth should
constitute the church at all times and places? What is the division of labor between God and His church for
producing such growth?