— Acts of the Apostles — BIG IDEA God ignited his local church family with the presence, preaching & people of his Spirit. The Book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke, following Jesus’ followers as they go into the world to show & share the good news and expand his new Kingdom. What should a thriving Christian church be like? Spirit believers. Acts 2:1–8 (NLT) On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. 5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. 7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Acts 2:11–12 (NLT) … we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other. focused preaching. Acts 2:32–33, 36-39 (NLT) 32 “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. 36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Isaiah 32, Ezekiel 36, Joel 2) Responding to Jesus: Repent & turn to Jesus, be baptized Receive forgiveness Receive the Holy Spirit Treasuring Jesus : Jesus is the supreme source of our deepest satisfaction & gratification — for all our longings, desires & appetites. Aren’t there new & more urgent topics to cover considering how ancient this book is and how crucial social causes are? 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” inspired community. Acts 2:42–47 (NLT) 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. What’s driving this devotion? 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. “Awe of God means I live knowing that there is a greater story than my little personal story. Awe of God means that there is a grander kingdom than my little kingdom of one. Awe of God means that God has a plan far bigger and better than any plans I have for myself.” ~ Paul David Tripp 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 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—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people… Only when awe of God rules your heart will you be able to keep the pleasures of the material world in their proper place. ~ Paul David Tripp 47…And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. SO WHAT? Immerse yourself into a church full of spirit-filled people, not just into a building offering services & programs. Focus on Jesus as the supreme source of your deepest satisfaction & gratification — for all your longings, desires & appetites. Recognize that it’s the “awe” of God that generates a whole life devotion to generosity & worship. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION 1. What are some of the typical things that modern people seem to be wanting when they’re browsing for a new home church? 2. In what way(s)have you noticed that Jesus has become the supreme source of your deepest satisfaction & gratification — for all your longings, desires & appetites? 3. The “awe” of God generates whole life devotion to generosity & worship. Have you ever experienced what Paul Tripp describes here: “When awe of God has captured your heart, ministry will fill your schedule. You won’t need the church to schedule ministry for you; you will approach work, marriage, parenting, extended family, friendships, and community with a ministry mentality.” ― Paul David Tripp