This week we will contine our study of the Book of Acts by focusing on Acts 2:42-47. As you read this passage you will see a beautiful picture of Christian community.
How does this picture of life in the early church match up with what you have experienced in the past? More importantly, how does it match up with what you’re experiencing right now.
I believe that our culture is not necessarily geared towards loving, intimate community. And we are all affected by this. If that is true, the church is a real departure from much of what we know or even desire.
Last week we started to explore the Book of Acts. We will continue in Acts this week as we study the beginning of the church.
Read Acts 2 and discover the incredible catalyst for a dramatic change in the disciples… and listen to the words of Peter– the one who denied Jesus 3 times– as he shares the good news of Jesus Christ to people who deserately want and need to hear it. Then see how they respond.
But what happens next? How does this band of followers respond? Actually, a more important question might be, How do you respond?
For the next few weeks I want to visit the Book of Acts– the continuation of the story of Jesus and his followers in history.
When this church began, it started with us looking at the Book of Acts together. I think it’s time we looked at it again. This time, however, we won’t go through the entire book– instead, we’ll talk about some selected events.
Because the Book of Acts tells the story of the beginning of the Church it’s probably a good idea for churches to revisit it from time to time. When we do, we can see our past, make sense of our present, and chart a course for our future.
To prepare for Sunday, read Acts 1:1-12. Set aside some time reading and thinking about these verses. I know that you will be blessed.
This message is not from Doug, in fact he has not seen it until now. I am sending it from our Web Site and did not know how to take Doug’s name off. As a good friend of Doug Haupt’s I wanted to let you know about a need of his that a group of us is trying to meet. Doug’s car recently died and you can imagine how impossible it would be to have three kids and one car. Doug draws a modest part-time salary from the church and supplements it with outside work. Between his work and Sara’s painting and sewing work they’ve been able to make ends meet but there is no extra money for a car payment. They really do feel called to continue to serve at Grace Family Fellowship as well as continuing to be involved with many other ministries. He and Sara are very wise with their resources but their budget can’t stretch to make or to pay cash for another car.
Your gift is tax-deductible and you’ll get a receipt at the end of the year for tax purposes. If you know folks who are also friends of Doug and Sara’s that you think would be kind enough to jump in on this group gift please share this letter with them as well.
Thanks in advance. Your generosity is going to help a really good family that works hard to care for and bless a lot of families here in our community!
I pray God continues to bless you!!
This week we will finish up our study in the Gospel of Mark by looking at Peter’s reaction to Jesus’ arrest, trials, and crucifixion. To prepare, read Mark 14:27-31 and Mark 14:66-72.
If you’ve ever felt like you failed in your relationship with God– or that you’ve let Jesus down– you will want to see Peter’s experience with failure.