The Kind of Church the Gospel Forms

Discussion Questions

Sermon Overview 

God saves us to be a growing, loving, infectious community.

3 things the passage shows us about the church's new life in the gospel:

1) Their commitment

2) Their love

3) Their witness 

Digging Deeper    

Their commitment: They devoted themselves to God and one another.

1. We see that these new believers in Acts 2 have not only a new faith in Christ but also new priorities. What are some of the concrete ways your priorities changed when God saved you?    

2. The believers described in this passage “devoted themselves” to the four things mentioned in v. 42 (1. the apostle’s teaching, 2. fellowship, 3. the breaking of bread, 4. the prayers).  Is this passage descriptive (i.e., telling us history) or prescriptive (i.e., telling us what to do)?  If it is (merely) descriptive, does that mean “devoting ourselves” to the things mentioned here is optional for us? Please support your answer.   

3. In our current context, what might “devoting ourselves” to these four things look like?  

4. What sort of impact do you think it might have on your life if you were to pursue these things (of v. 42) to a greater degree? What is keeping you from doing so? 

Their Love: They sacrificially cared for each other with worshipful hearts

5. The believers' love for one another produced profound generosity. Is there an example you can share (either from your own life or from someone you know) of this same dynamic? Please share. 

6. Are there ways you would like to see our life together as the people of CrossWay Community Church (or as a Gospel Community) more closely resemble what we see here in Acts 2? How so?  Please share. 

Their Witness: Others were drawn in as they lived out the gospel

7. Gospel-generated change in our lives can be something God uses in the process of drawing people to himself. Does that reality motivate you to pursue holiness, that others might “see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”?  Please share. 

8. In what contexts of your life are there opportunities for unbelievers to see how Christ has changed you and is changing you?  

9. How might you create more of these opportunities (#8 above)?  

Prayer