Join Our Congregation This Summer As We Read
THE BOOK OF ACTS: Week 1 – June 2-8
Acts 1-2 Who is in charge?
These two chapters begin with Luke’s introduction referring to his gospel and Jesus’ instructions to the disciples. Luke then takes us to Jesus’ ascension and the disciples’ wondering if this is now the time. By the end of chapter two the community is formed in Jerusalem and a pattern of life together begins to emerge.
Acts 1:1-5 Luke’s introduction Acts 1:6-11 Ascension of Jesus Acts 1:12-26 Matthias is chosen Acts 2:1-13 Outpouring of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:14-36 Peter addresses the crowd Acts 2:37-41 3000 are baptized Acts 2:42-47 Life among the Believers
Chapter 1: Waiting
The book of Acts is a letter written by Luke to a person named Theophilus which means “God’s friend” or “beloved of God.” This is Luke’s second letter to Theophilus. The first was the gospel of Luke. (Investigate more at Luke 1:1-4) Why do you think Luke wants to write more? Why wasn’t writing about Jesus enough?
The disciples are told to wait in Jerusalem. What, according to Jesus is God’s dream for the disciples? (Verses 1-8)
Notice what the disciples (more than 12, including men and women) are doing while they are waiting (1:12-26). In what ways are is our congregation waiting for God’s direction? Are there ways in which you personally are waiting for God’s guidance?
The disciples decided there was a leadership gap. How did they chose a replacement for Judas? What are the different ways leaders are chosen in our congregation? Is prayer involved? Think of the leadership you see in our congregation. What spiritual gifts are evident among them?
Action Plan: a note to someone affirming a spiritual gift you see in them that inspires and helps others in the faith community
Chapter 2: The Holy Spirit brings change
This This story is the event that we celebrate as “Pentecost” every year. The Holy Spirit shows up like fire and wind and look at what happens! What does it say about God’s dream for the disciples that every one of them was speaking in a different language?
In what ways did that initial group of followers of Jesus change in this chapter (location, numbers, activities)?
How would you describe the change in Peter from the time he denied Jesus before the crucifixion to now after the Holy Spirit shows up?
Are there ways in which you think the Holy Spirit is changing our congregation? Are there ways that the Holy Spirit is changing your life.?
Action Plan: one activity of that earliest congregation (2:42-47) and do it today.
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