Inward Prayer

Small Group Questions:

1. 1. Have you ever tried to do something difficult alone? How did it go? Did you ask for help?
   2. “The Church is the only society that exists for the benefit of those who are not its members.” How does this quote make you feel, and do you think it is true?
   3. How does being part of something greater change our thoughts, passions, desires, and motivation?
   4. What does partnering with God do to see the renewal and wholeness of every human being, practically look like?
   5. Where do you see your role in the church?

Outward Prayer

THE MAIN POINT

The call for the Church is to join God in the renewal of all things. Changing the world can only happen in partnership with each other; empowered by the Holy Spirit.

THE BIBLE

Acts 2:42-27, 2 Corinthians 5:17-20

THE CONTEXT

The Church has a mandate to make disciples. But to make disciples we must understand the character and method of the Church. In the book of Acts, we read the story of the first ever church and how they came to be, what was important to them, and what God did through them. It seems as if there was a model and a purpose.

When we look at the early church and look at our current reality, it can often be difficult to see how they interact. Part of our current reality is that we live in an extremely individualized world, where we do what we want, get what we want, and decide what we want. Sometimes we allow these ideas to trickle into our faith, and our relationship with God becomes incredibly individual and private. Yet, when we look at the model and purpose of the Church in the New Testament, there is something so evident: the Church is better together!

Model: Acts 2

DEVOTED – to scripture, prayer, and eating

FILLED – with awe and the Holy Spirit

SHARED – life, possessions, money

POSTURED – glad & sincere hearts, praising God, life together with others

Purpose: 2 Cor 5:18-20

Partnering with God to see the renewal and wholeness of every human being:

1. With God

2. With others

“The Church is the only society that exists for the benefit of those who are not its members.” William Temple

THE CORE

As you prepare the core of the message using personal story and questions keep in mind these points:

• How can the church be the answer to the world?
• What changes when we do things together and not alone?
• What stories of the church “being the church” can you share?

THE APPLICATION

As you prepare the application, challenge and/or encouragement, keep in mind these points:

• How does being part of something greater change our thoughts, passions, desires, and motivation?
• What does serving the church look like in serving our world?
• What does partnering with God do to see the renewal and wholeness of every human being, practically look like?