THIS WEEK’S MYTH: “I CAN BE OK WITH GOD WITHOUT THE CHURCH.” IS THIS TRUE?

We often hear:

• I am closer to God in the mountains.
• People are too hard, so it’s just me and God.
• A few of us will just meet in our living room because we don’t agree with the church.
• I don’t get anything out of church.
• I have been hurt by the church.

Acts 2:36–47 36“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day…

• The church was built on the gospel—that Jesus is both Lord and Savior.
• The church started with those who repented, received the gospel message, and were baptized.

…42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

1. WHO ARE ____________?

• All of those who accepted the message—all generations and ethnicities. (see Acts 2)

2. WHAT WERE THEY _____________ TO?

• Teaching
• Koinonia
• They broke bread together
• Prayer
• Sharing/giving

3. WHERE DID THEY ______________?

• Large group meetings
• Small group meetings
• Meetings to address an issue

4. WHY ARE CHRIST-CENTERED ____________ SO IMPORTANT?

Look at God’s design:

Genesis 2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Christ-centered relationships add great value to our lives through:

• the application of scripture
• encouragement

Hebrews 10:24-25 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

• keeping us grounded and give perspective

Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the head, that is, Christ.

• accountability and support

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

James 5:16 Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you might be healed.

• being God’s instruments for love

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

The relationship between Christian brothers and sisters is not something we create. IT’S ALREADY ESTABLISHED. -Elisabeth Elliot1

Remember the myth? “I can be ok with God without the church.” Is this true?

1. Are you running from God’s design of the church and relationship? What causes you to do so?

2. How have you used relationships to get something for yourself? Are you just looking for a “return for your investment?”

3. What is the basis of the relationship Jesus extends to you?

4. How will I choose to love others in relationship?

QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS IN LIFE GROUPS OR WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Myth to bust: I can still be good with God without the church.

Passages to consider: Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12; Hebrews 10:19-25; or select one from the sermon.

How did the thoughts and steps from last week’s discussion/sermon impact your week?

1. From this week’s sermon, what was meaningful to you?

2. Read through Acts 2:42-47 a couple of times. A) What do you see is significant in how the people interacted as the church Jesus left? Observe all you can. Share what stands out to you.

3. What has been your experience with being devoted to the teaching of God and being devoted to relationships with fellow believers? A) How are both significant in following Jesus? B) What’s it like when one is missing?

4. What helps you press into biblical relationships? A) What helps you seek and align to God’s truth? B) What can get in the way of either one of those?

5. What is your action step and response to what God is showing you?