Being the True Church in our Generation - Part 2

Being the True Church in our Generation - Part 2
Acts 2:37-47

I. Devoted to the Living Word and His written Word.

John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

Acts 4:1-4
5:27-29

II. Devoted to having God's presence and power displayed in all of life.

Matthew 5:16 - Jesus said, “…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Acts 4:12-13, 27-31

III. Devoted to the present and eternal welfare of others.

Three levels of fellowship, engagement and discipleship:  
     1. Beginning level – Surface level and can stay superficial  
     2. Personal – Desires and struggles are shared and it is a time for testing
         trust.
     3. Mature – More intimate and open, deeper disclosure and involvement,
         and a focus of moving together toward Christ-likeness.

Four places of fellowship, engagement and discipleship:  
     1. Crowd - (Anywhere God places us among those who do not yet know
         Christ) We intentionally invite others into God’s Kingdom with our
         words and lives as we rely on Christ.

      2. Church - (Sunday and other gatherings of worship) We gather
          together to worship and encourage because of our transformation in
          Christ.  

     3. Community - (C groups) We do life together as followers of Christ to
         strengthen our faith and then go impact our community with serving
         and the Gospel.

     4. Core - (Discipleship “D” Groups) We focus on relational and spiritual
         depth with people of the same sex in order to be Christ-like and
         become disciple-makers.

Faith Sheet

Transformation verse – Genesis 1:27 “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

 #1 - Reviewing This Past Sunday
Being the True Church in our Generation - Part 2    
Acts 2:37-47

1. Read Acts 2:37-47 and discuss the message with someone.
2. How is what is going on in this passage different from what we see today
    in much of the American church? In your own life?
3. Do you understand the MCC pathway to discipleship and where are you
    on the pathway? What would be your next step of obedience to keep
    moving forward?
4. Pray Ephesians 4:11-15 or Colossians 1:9-10 (or both) for yourself and for
    others. Pray for our journey in the Gospel Story starting September 18^th.

# 2 - Preparing for Next Sunday
Growing Deeper as We Grow Smaller
Acts 1:12-26

1. READ- Read Acts 1: 12-26 several times and ask the Lord to reveal
    Himself and His truth to you.
2. EXAMINE- Spend some time marking up your Bible. Ask questions like:
    What is the meaning of the passage, the main thoughts or points?
3. APPLY- Apply the text to your own life. Ask these type of questions     
     ~What does this text tell me about God?
     ~What does this text tell me about myself?
     ~How will I live differently because of what I just read? 
     ~Is there a command for me to obey, a warning to observe, a sin I must
       repent of, or something that leads me to give thanks?
4. PRAY- Pray through the passage and your application. Ask God to lead
    you to love Him, love others and to be intentional about making disciples
    by the power of the Holy Spirit.