LifeGroup Notes
OPEN
As you open up tonight, let’s think about this past week. When have you worked with others to raise money for a worthy cause? What possessions would you be willing to part with to help a friend in need?
What jumped out at you from the message this week? What led you to really think or even better, to change your actions?
INTRODUCTION
As believers, when we think of moving forward, what should we always associate that with with?
READ
Read Acts 4:32-37
32Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
What are some of the similarities between the early church and the church of today?
What does the variety and diversity in the church produce?
If we’re not careful, what might variety and diversity in the church produce?
What is the secret weapon that the church had and still has today?
What was the result of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the church?
What does it mean to be of ‘one heart and soul?’ (V32)
What is another way that the early church was similar to today’s church?
“The church is fine, but I don’t need it to follow Jesus.” Have you ever heard someone say something like this? How would you respond to this?
Why do we need the kind of Christian community that the local church offers?
What is another way that “Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow.” —AW Tozer
What does this quote mean?
LET’S PRAY
Consider the following questions as you pray together as a LifeGroup:
1. What is your response when you think about much you have been given in Christ?
2. What are the places where you are missing out on Christian community?
3. How can you glorify God by loving others in the fellowship of God?
BIG IDEA
God has called us to care for each other and to love each other when life gets tough. To hurt with one another when we are hurting, listen to one another when we have lost our way, and lead one another when we have lost our way. Being a part of a church means that we all make this pledge together because we will ALL need help at some point and time. We will ALL go through moments of strife and trouble.
Christian community can only come when we are all focused on the same goal; becoming more like Christ. When we become more like Christ, we will all naturally have the same priorities and desire to care for one another. Biblical unity stems from focusing on the priorities of Jesus to selflessly love each other and reach the lost!
PERSONAL REFLECTION
What is one change you can make to improve your relationships with others at CrossPointe?
What can you do to show Christian generosity to someone in need this week?
How does this lesson help us keep moving forward?