What are some words most people use to describe “church?”

Let’s Read Acts 2:41-47:

⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

The Fellowship of the Believers

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

What stands out to you from Acts 2:41-47?

• From this passage, make a list of characteristics and
practices of the early church.

• How is God inviting you to apply this passage to
your life? (Your “I will…”)

How does the description of “church” in Acts 2:41-47 contrast to a typical church today, before the pandemic?

1. Meets in a church building………………………………………..
2. Led by a professional pastor……………………………………..
3. Meets one to two hours a week…………………………………
4. Most people are spectators………………………………………..
5. Giving is for building rent and salaries first…………….
6. Communion is part of the service…………………………….
7. Eating together occasionally………………………………………

What are some advantages and disadvantages of a “simple church?”

What do you think after
studying Acts 2?
“Would it still be a church
if . . . ?”

if there is no building? . . . if there is no paid
pastor? . . . if there is not sound equipment? . . . if all the children are
included in the service? . . . if the songs are sung w/o a guitar? if the
scripture is explored using the discovery approach and everyone gets to
contribute? . . . if four ladies meet on a Tuesday morning?

Motivated by GOD’S HEART for the lost, we PRAY for God to
send out laborers into the harvest. Then we CONNECT with the
lost, FIND persons of peace, and help them DISCOVER the truth
about Jesus. Now, we learn more about encouraging new believers to
obey Jesus by preparing for baptism and beginning to ASSEMBLE regularly
with other believers

This Week’s Challenge
Invite a few Christian friends to meet you on Zoom, what’s app, fb messenger or outside, for a simple church meeting. Church can happen any day.
• Invite everyone to share one thing they are thankful for from this
past week. Spend time in prayer, giving thanks to God
• Use the discover approach to discuss, “What can we learn about
church in Acts 2:41-47?”
• Be sure to include the final two basic questions:
• How will I apply this passage to my life?
• Who will I share this passage with?

(from Rick’s lesson this week)