This week’s reading is book ended with two very important (and rather timely) points. The first one is the importance of growing in faith as a part of community. The second is that even when we are derailed from our original plans, what greater good or unimaginable things can come out of it?
Monday January 11, Acts 2:42-47
Today’s Takeaways:
- This passage describes the importance of experiencing faith and daily rituals with a group of other believers. The early Christians learned from one another and experienced the joy and power of corporate worship and prayer. From the beginning, the church has stressed the importance of growing in faith together.
Today’s Talking Points:
- Why is it important to surround yourself with a group of believers?
- How is it different to practice your faith with a group of others and to practice it all by yourself?
Tuesday January 12, Acts 3:1-10
Today’s Takeaways:
- This passage shows Peter’s powers to heal and perform miracles in the name of Jesus Christ.
- Notice how richly detailed this account is (e.g. time, place). It’s such a blessing to have a contemporary account of the early church.
Today’s Talking Points:
- What was Peter’s real gift to the lame beggar?
Wednesday January 13, Acts 3:11-26
Today’s Takeaways:
- Peter takes the opportunity God provided through the healing of the lame man and preaches to a crowd of onlookers to proclaim the gospel.
- Peter uses words and references that were easily understood by and relatable to that specific crowd in that specific time and place. Notice how important it is to deliver the gospel in a way so people can understand. It worked, many (possibly a couple thousand) believed!
- To proclaim the gospel Peter did three important things: 1) exalted Jesus (told people who he is, what’s he’d done), 2) pointed out sinners and their sins and 3) offered God’s grace to those who repent.
Today’s Talking Points:
- How much does a person need to know about God and Christ in order to be saved?
- How can we be prepared to take the opportunities to share the gospel?
Thursday January 12, Acts 4:1-22
Today’s Takeaways:
- Peter and John are arrested (this will be recurring event in their lives). When they are brought in front of the religious leaders to answer for themselves, the Holy Spirit gives them confidence and boldness. They feel empowered to speak the truth. What an incredible gift the Holy Spirit is!
- Peter and John also knew to give all the glory for the miracle to God. It is often tempting to let people give us credit, but we need people to understand that God is the one with the power and He alone needs to be praised – not Peter (or us).
- The name of Jesus is very powerful. Remember the leaders asked “by what power or what name did you do this?”
Today’s Talking Points:
- How does believing in God make you feel or act? What “super powers” do you think you have because of the Holy Spirit? (e.g.: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, etc.)
Friday January 15, Acts 4:23-31
Today’s Takeaways:
- This whole story started when Peter and John where on their way to pray. They never make it, but they are given an even a bigger opportunity to share the gospel and the story ends with the whole crowd praying. A powerful reminder of the importance of prayer.
- Peter and John didn’t seek to be put in jail or to be questioned. No one asks for bad things to happen to them. But when bad things did happen (as they always do), Peter and John used them to further the message and save many others.
Today’s Talking Points:
- Can you ask at least one person what you can pray for them this week? Then commit to pray for them all week, even if it’s a one line prayer to begin with. Set a specific time of the day so you don’t forget.
Munger Kids 