Review:

The good way – Gods commands are for our good

Jeremiah 6:16–17 (NIV) — 16 This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ 17 I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But you said, ‘We will not listen.’

The SCMD Process and the great commission

• Go make disciples the way I did with you – not any way you want to
• We make disciples and churches are the result

Matthew 4:19 (ESV)—Come and follow me and I will make you fishers of men. Jesus’ church cannot be overcome

Matthew 16:16–18 (NIV) — 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Matthew 28:18–20 (NIV) — 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The Discipleship Ladder

• The original sharing pattern – leads to Connection
• Koinonia’s primary meaning is “fellowship, sharing in common, communion.”

Acts 2:41–47 (NIV)
The time spent in gathering and the pattern for their gathering

A. Time – daily – sharing their lives – connecting

• Regular Large group meetings –Temple courts
• Small group –House to house –
• Daily support
• Church is not a buffet built around your personal tastes

Hebrews 10:24–26 (NIV), Hebrews 3:12–13 (NIV)

Acts 20:7 (NIV) — 7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.

Revelation 1:10 (NIV) — 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,

B. Transparency –They shared that there were needs

Ephesians 4:25 (NIV) — 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

C. Generosity – financial – but generous with forgiveness

• As we overflow in an abiding relationship with Jesus – we become people who give –financially but more than that
• Forgiveness
• Encouragement
• Accountability

1 John 1:5–7 (NIV) — 5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Colossians 3:12–14 (NIV) 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Common statements I hear from believers:

1. I don’t want to go to church – It’s me and Jesus in the woods or on the lake
2. I want to be a part of a small church—Does Jesus want a small church
3. I don’t like the organized church –does Jesus want a disorganized church?
4. I am a part of the universal church so I don’t need to be in a local church
5. I like the small group but not the big group –visa versa –not a buffet

Only a church that keeps its eyes on Jesus will succeed

• Communion and prayer are designed to connect people to Jesus and one another 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (NIV), Matthew 6:9–15 (NIV)

For Small Group Discussion:
Opening Question: How would you describe the perfect church?

Main Point: (Connect) The believers were together and had everything in common and CONNECTED by devoting themselves to the apostles teaching, fellowship and prayer.

Read/Tell the Story: Acts 2:36-47 (The Fellowship of Believers)

Questions:

1.  What did the believers of the early church devote themselves to? Why are these habits important?
2.  Being devoted means being focused on a particular thing almost exclusively. With this definition in mind, what would you say you are devoted to?
3.  What would those closest to you say you’re devoted to?
4.  What does it mean to “have all things in common”?
5.  Why is the corporate gathering, as well as small group gatherings, important for us as believers?
6.  What does it look like to save ourselves from this corrupt generation in our current culture?
7.  How has being connected to other believers helped you stay devoted to the right things?
8.  How can you be encouraging to those around you to stay connected to other believers?

Supporting Scripture:

• 2 Timothy 2:2
• John 3:22
• Acts 4:32-37