” Vibrant Church”

Vibrant! Series Lesson 3

Sermon Notes

October 1, 2023

I. The Genius of the Church…

A. Peter preached the first gospel sermon, 3000 people repented of their sins and were baptized into Christ, and a new church was launched! (Acts 2:22-47)

B. The Bible says that Jesus loves the church (Ephesians 5:25). But, when the Bible says Jesus loves the church, it is not talking about a

church!

1. The church has always been flawed, but
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   !

C. Churches often become “cluttered,” just like our homes, offices, and garages.

1. Vibrant and growing churches actually have fewer programs, ministries, and special events than those churches that are static or declining.

2. By saying “no” to some good things, these churches are able to say “yes” to a few very important things…like making and growing disciples of Jesus!

D. One of the first things that we see about the Jerusalem church is their

. They intentionally embraced certain commitments. (Acts 2:42)

E. A key characteristic of healthy and vibrant churches involves their intentionality about certain practices that help them make and grow disciples of Jesus!

F. Life Group Discussion Question: Think about your experiences with churches through the years and then share your responses to the following questions. In what ways do churches become “cluttered” like our homes, offices, and garages? What impact might the “cluttering” have on overall church health? What would be involved in “de-cluttering” a church? How “intentional” have the churches been that you have been a part of through the years? Why would “intentionality” be an important characteristic in healthy and vibrant churches?

II. The Practices of a Vibrant Church…

A. Key Practice: They are consistent in their practice of spiritual disciplines that will grow disciples of Jesus! (Acts 2:42-47)

1. Growing disciples must spend time in the study of Scripture, not just for information, but for

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   . Scripture is truth to be lived! (Acts 2:42)

2. The early Christians shared together in the Lord’s Supper. (Acts 2:42, 46)

3. The early Christians engaged in

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   on a consistent basis. (Acts 2:42) Prayer is mentioned some 48 times in the book of Acts.

4. The early Christians also engaged in the practice of sacrificial

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   . (Acts 2:44-45)

5. The early Christians spent regular time in fellowship. (Acts 2:42, 44, 46)

6. The average child from an active church member family only goes to church 1.4 times a month. Which means, the average child is spending more hours a week on video games than he/she is a year in church!

7. Like Jesus, we must be devoted to regular, consistent worship with other people. (Luke 4:16)

B . Key Practice: A vibrant church is persistent about making more disciples. (Acts 2:47)

1. The early church talked about growth and every metaphor Jesus used for the Kingdom had

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   implications.

2. A church that has sold out to a mission of making and growing disciples of Jesus will sacrifice its own

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   so that more of God’s children can come back home and can be blessed by a loving family.

C. Key Practice: A vibrant church is insistent that discipleship is a “team sport.” (Acts 2:42, 44, 46)

1. This was a

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   movement and not a “me” movement!

2. The church is not a place you go to; it is a people that you belong to!

3. When we do life together like this first church, it is incredibly winsome and authentic! (Acts 2:47) Even with all her flaws, nothing is more beautiful than the body of Christ!

D. Life Group Discussion Question: Reflect on the three key practices described above. Which of the three practices do you perceive to be a strength at Alpine and why? Which of the three practices does Alpine need to be more intentional about and why? Which of the practices do you think you need to be more intentional in practicing?