1. Exploring the Church

2. QUESTIONS

3. Exploring the Church QUESTIONS DESCRIBE A MAJOR CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE. HOW DID YOU NOTICE THE CHANGE? HOW DID YOU REACT TO THE CHANGE?

4. Exploring the Church TERMS: 1. disciple – follower, student, learner; John 2:35-51, 6:60-70 2. apostle – one who is sent with a message; Matthew 10, 28:18-20, John 20:19-23 3. sacramental – pointing to a spiritual reality, used to describe non- spiritual things 4. sacrament – physical objects & activities designated by Christ to communicate a spiritual reality; Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 22:14-20, etc.

7. Exploring the Church Explaining Pentecost – Acts 2:14-39 1. the event (sound like a windstorm, tongues of fire, different languages spoken) a. God pouring out His Spirit – vv. 17-18 b. prophesied by Joel (OT) – vv. 16-21, see Joel 2:28-32 2. the source – Jesus of Nazareth a. endorsed by God as Messiah (Anointed One, God’s chosen One, Christ) through his ministry, death, and resurrection – God’s “I approve this message.” – vv. 22-24 b. prophesied by David (OT) – vv. 25-31, see Psalm 16:8-11 c. returned to Heaven and sent the Holy Spirit – vv. 32-36 3. the proper response a. turn from sin and to God (repent) – v. 38 b. be baptized in the name of Christ for the forgiveness of sins – v. 38 4. the result – “then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” – v. 38

8. Exploring the Church Acts 2:41-42 (NLT) “Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church – about three thousand in all. They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and in prayer.”

9. Exploring the Church The Activity of the Early Church -baptized -came together -devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching -devoted themselves to fellowship (sharing life) -shared in the Lord’s Supper -prayed

10. Exploring the Church Acts 2:43-47 (NLT) “A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity – all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.”

11. Exploring the Church Characteristics of the Early Church -awe -miraculous activity -pooled resources -generosity -sensitivity to those in need -together regularly -worshipful & full of praise -a good reputation -growth (spiritual & numerical)

12. Exploring the Church Why?

13. Exploring the Church Assignment for next week: Show and tell – bring an item with you that has “sentimental value” and be prepared to talk about it.

14. Exploring the Church The Lord’s Prayer Our Father in heaven, Your name is holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory belong to you forever and ever. Amen.