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Opening
What were your first experiences of church like?

Summary
Read Acts 2:42-47
Peter has just preached the gospel; 3000 people have joined the church, and now we get a glimpse of Christ-centered, Spirit-empower community. Motivated by the gospel, this newly defined community is living out their faith in radical expressions of love for God and love for one another. They devote themselves to learning the word of God, sharing life together, acts of remembrance, and prayer.  Generosity and joy overflow in the early church and many onlookers come to faith as God works through his people.

Discussion Questions

  1. What set apart the early church from what we see in many churches today?
  2. The early church was a learning church, devoted to the Apostle’s teaching. Where do you struggle in studying God’s Word? What can you do to grow in this area?
  3. In the early church life was so much more than gathering for an hour once a week. What are some of the obstacles that keep us from experiencing a fuller expression of life as God’s people?
  4. In light of the gospel Peter preached and the picture of gospel-shaped community in Acts 2, what changes may God be calling you to make in response to what you have learned? What steps will you take this week? Who will hold you accountable?