Walking with God over the Summer...and beyond

Acts 2:42-47

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Let’s list the elements in this passage that you see that are keys to healthy Christian living.

1.     A commitment to the Scriptures.  (vs. 42)

a.     What does it look like for you to be committed (devoted) to God’s Word? 

b.     What are some benefits of being devoted to the Scriptures?

c.     Psalm 1 – meditating on God’s Word day and night

d.     Hebrews 4:12-13

2.     Fellowship.  Being connected to other believers.  (vs. 42)

a.     Where do you find Christian fellowship?

b.     For those of you that tend to seek quality teaching and church experience online, that’s awesome.  But what’s the value of being in the physical presence with other believers?

c.     What does it really even mean to be in fellowship with one another?

3.     Enjoying time over meals together.  (vs. 42,45) 

a.     Why is mealtime so important? 

b.     Why did Jesus do so much ministry over meals?

c.     Great article here:  https://voice.dts.edu/article/a-place-at-the-table-jones-barry/

4.     Prayer.  Bringing everything before God.  Praying alone and with one another.  (vs. 42)

a.     What is your personal prayer life like?  In what ways can it improve?

b.     What is the value in praying together?  (see:  James 5:13-16)

5.     Serving others.  (vs. 45)

a.     Why is it important for us to look out for one another?

b.     What does it show the world when we care for each other like this?

c.     What avenues do you have this summer to serve?

6.     There was a commitment to fellow believers, but there was also an outward focus.  (vs. 47 – “enjoying the favor of all the people; God adding to their number)

a.     How did each of you come to know Jesus?  Did any of you come to know Him on your own, simply by reading your Bible?

b.     Why is it the sign of healthy Christianity for us to move towards those who don’t know Christ?  (think of the Dead Sea)

c.     Who do you know back home (or wherever you’re going to be) that you can share Christ with this summer?

Of course, these principles all apply not just for summer break, but for the rest of your life.  Wherever you go, seek to apply all six of these things:  a commitment to Scripture, solid Christian fellowship, enjoying Christian company over meals, a healthy prayer life, a place to serve, and making opportunities to impact others for Christ.