THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. Our new COURAGEOUS CHURCH series explores the five key commitments that marked the early church and fueled God’s powerful work through them. These same commitments can transform our lives and the church today. Consider who God would have you INVITE to join you at church during this series.
GROUP VALUES. This month, we focus on PRAYER. It is easy to focus only on prayer requests about physical needs. Have a conversation with your group about how you might pray for each other’s spiritual growth this month.
GROW AS A LEADER. Challenge your group to be specific about their commitment to God’s Word and be transparent about your commitment, too. Rather than vague encouragement to “read your Bible more,” help them identify concrete next steps and then commit to growing together this year in your daily time in the Word.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the first week of our new series, COURAGEOUS CHURCH. This week, Pastor Aaron Buer explores the mission Jesus gave his church and the first courageous commitment that fueled the early church’s incredible impact.
ICEBREAKER
What’s one teaching or piece of advice that significantly shaped how you approach life?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read Acts 2:41-47 aloud.
What do you notice about the early believers’ priorities and how they spent their time?
How would you describe the results of their devotion to the apostles’ teaching based on this passage?
What connection do you see between their commitment to learning and the growth of their community?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Aaron began our new series, COURAGEOUS CHURCH, by exploring the mission Jesus gave his church and their devotion to the apostles’ teaching. As a group, recall some of the sermon’s big ideas and main points.
Our culture has access to more information than ever before, yet Bible sales and Bible reading are increasing, especially among young people. What do you think draws people to Scripture rather than other sources?
Have someone read Matthew 28:18-20 aloud. Jesus gave the church a clear mission to go and make disciples. How would you explain what it means to be a disciple and make disciples in simple terms?
The early church needed the Holy Spirit as their power source—not buildings, budgets or programs. Why do you think we’re often tempted to rely on other things for spiritual power instead of the Holy Spirit?
Followers of Jesus in the early church “devoted themselves” to some core commitments, meaning they went all-in. How does going all-in differ from casual Bible reading or occasional church attendance?
Pastor Aaron talked about going all-in both toward Jesus and against things that oppose his way. As you are comfortable, share some things in your life that you sense you need to go “all-in against.”
The apostles’ teaching is what we now call the New Testament. How does knowing that we have the same foundational teaching as the early church encourage or challenge you?
Pastor Aaron mentioned three ways to devote ourselves to God’s Word: church attendance, daily Bible reading and Scripture memorization. Which of these represents the biggest growth area for you right now?
WRAP UP
This week, we learned that devotion to God’s Word was foundational to the early church’s impact. What specific step will you take this week to grow in your commitment to God’s Word?