Devoted: Acts 2:41-47

41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.—Acts 2:41–47 (NASB95)

Today we begin a new series in which we will examine the early church and compare it to our own. The big truth here is, “We are the church!” To examine our church is to examine our own lives. This could be enlightening, and it might be a little painful if we are honest, but the goal is that it will help us to be more like Jesus.

Icebreaker – Imagine for a moment that you kept a detailed, lifelong journal of your daily activities and that your children found it after you died. What would they say you were passionate about? Remember, this journal is about what you did – not how you felt.

We understand passion well. Anyone who has ever attended a football game at a large college has seen thousands of folks (who probably paid a lot of money to attend) all dressed in the school’s colors, cheering wildly for hours as their team fought for victory.

1. In Acts 2:41-47, what was the early church passionate about? How did that compare to a modern college football fan?
2. Pastor Lance taught us that apathy is the opposite of the devotion displayed by passion. Has passion turned to apathy about anything in your life? Tell the group about it.
3. During church, we were given the "How is My Devotion" card to help us examine our lives in some important ways. Take a few moments to discuss each of these with your group. Be honest, even if it’s painful. The key for each is Action – What do we actually do?
4. Now that we have examined our lives individually, let’s talk about ourselves collectively: Generosity—Is our church known for generosity? Are people organizing their lives around giving rather than pursuing more success and wealth? Is the generosity evident in our church so compelling that it draws others to Christ?
5. Community—How often do we interact with each other throughout the week? How well do we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses? Do we know each other’s pain? Is your Small Group open to new members, and are you actively seeking to grow your membership? Do our members regularly bring others with them to church?
6. Prayer/Worship—Is our church characterized by prayer during services and throughout the week? How central is prayer to our gatherings? What is our church collectively praying about right now?
7. God’s Word—Does our congregation read the Scriptures regularly, value the Word, apply it, obey it, and speak it? Is the Bible a central part of church life?
8. Mission—Does the average person in our church know what the Great Commission is? List all of our local ministry partners and what they do. Can you name some foreign missionaries who are sponsored by our church?

Each of these areas should challenge us. Take time at the conclusion of your group meeting for extended prayer. Pray specifically for each other in these areas and pray for Faith Bible Church.

Let’s renew our devotion to Jesus and the world around us.