Let It Spring Forth Four Before: Vital Practices of a New Testament Community – Week 2 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:19 Study by: Dean Brookes Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel 1. Look Back Sharing Our Journey | 10–20 minutes Praise, Thanks and Reflection Invite people to share from one or more of the questions below. This can be done as a whole group or in subgroups. It can also involve a worship song. What are you specifically thankful for? How do you express it? Where have you observed or experienced God at work? In what way have you been open to God working through you? How have you gone living out God’s Word since our last gathering? What might have been a struggle for you? Has anything happened in the lives of those on your relational map who are far from God? (See the Relational Map Video) Pray In prayer, capture the things you have shared above after also inviting people to share any personal needs for prayer or support. 2. Look Up Opening God’s Word | 20–30 minutes Setting the Scene Biblical and historical evidence indicates that the Church grows when it is rooted in the habits of grace — teaching, prayer, community, and eating together. Read Isaiah 43:19, Acts 2:42–47, and Psalm 92:12–14 Reflect and Discuss What common elements are in these three passages? Brainstorm what you observe and listen carefully to one another’s comments. Focus on Isaiah 43:19. It is a promise to the Hebrew exiles in Babylon. What does God say about Himself in this verse? What has God done in your past that is evidence of His presence? What “stream in the desert” is beginning to flow for you now? Read again Acts 2:42. In what way do you experience the four practices mentioned? Why do you think the writer used the word “devoted” in this description? How would you rate your devotion in this regard? Read Acts 2:42–47. How is our church different and/or similar to the fellowship described in these verses? What do you feel and think about this? Of the fellowship characteristics mentioned, which do you value most? Least? Why? What could you do to help our church be more like this New Testament church? How will this affect the way you pray for the church? Read Psalm 92:12–14. In what way do Sundays help you grow spiritually? How can you stay “fresh or vital and green” — to flourish as the years go by? What fruit can you bear? Which of God’s deeds and/or thoughts bring you joy? (See verses 4–5.) How do you express spiritual or soul-filled joy? 3. Look Forward Living Out God’s Word | 10–20 minutes What spiritual habits or practices do you or should you model for your congregation? In what ways are the church’s rhythms of grace forming you and others? How will what you have learnt change the way you live? Pray Pray for the church to be more like the Church of Acts 2. Pray for people who struggle to make time to be formed into the likeness of Christ. Pray for those on your Relational Map, especially those God might be drawing to Himself. Contacts If you would like more information or further help, please contact: 📧 scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au