It is a special week as we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of our church. Over the past 25 years, we have seen God do incredible things in and through our church as we seek to know Christ and to make Christ known. Our mission statement, to know Christ and to make Christ known, is the foundation of everything we do because we want to take Jesus' instructions in Matthew 28 to make disciples seriously. Today, we will take a look at Jesus' example when it came to making disciples so that we can follow His example as we seek to continue to make Christ known as a church.
Think back to when you became a part of Sagebrush, whether you began coming ten years ago or ten days ago. How has becoming a part of Sagebrush helped you know Christ and make Christ known?
Bible Study
1. Who shared Christ with you? How has their initiative impacted your life?
2. Read Isaiah 53:6. How does Scripture describe us in this passage of Scripture, and how does Jesus bring hope, according to this passage of Scripture?
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.
3. Matthew 9:35-36. What stands out to you about the way Jesus reached out to those who are lost?
35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
4. Why did Jesus have compassion on the crowds He saw?
Application
1. What skills and gifts has God given you to make Him known to the people around you?
2. How would you like to grow when it comes to making Christ known?
3. Who has God placed in your life who is in need of the hope of Christ?
Moving Forward One of the ways we can make Christ known to the people around us is by sharing about the difference Christ has made in our lives. Sharing your two-minute story is a tool to help you tell others about Christ. The story includes what your life was like before Christ, how you came to know Christ, and the difference Christ has made in your life. Divide into groups of two or three and practice sharing your story. The more you practice, the more prepared you will be when opportunities to share your faith arise.
Going deeper As we think back on our last 25 years as a church, it is necessary for us to take a look back at the early church and understand how we can learn from their example. After learning from their example, you and your group members can talk about how you can follow the example that they set. The Early Church Members Were Devoted to Spiritual Growth: When reading about the early church in Scripture, it is clear that the early church members were devoted to growing in their faith. There is no doubt that this growth strengthened the church individually and as a whole.
Read Acts 2:42-43.
Acts 2:42-43
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. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.
1. What were the early church members devoted to?
2. How does devotion to those four things lead to spiritual growth?
3. How does your small group today follow this example?
The Early Church Members Were Generous to Each Other: One of the markers of the early church was profound generosity. The generosity they modeled was breathtaking and impacted each member of the church.
Read Acts 2:44-45.
Acts 2:44-45
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.
1. Describe the generosity of the early church members.
2. What was the impact of the generosity of early church members?
3. How does your small group follow this example of generosity?
The Early Church Members Worshiped God Together: The members of the early church not only pursued spiritual growth together, met together, shared meals, and practiced generosity, but they also worshiped God together. As they worshiped, they set their attention and affection on God, who created each one of them and is in control of it all.
Read Acts 2:46-47.
Acts 2:46-47
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. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
1. What stands out to you about the way the early church members worshiped?
2. What is the benefit of worshiping God together with other members of the body of Christ?
3. How does your small group follow this example of worship?
After reading the Scripture about the early church and discussing it, talk about one way your group currently follows their example well. Next, talk about one way your group can improve by following their example and one tangible step you can take to grow in that area. End your time in prayer, thanking God for His gift of community.
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15
©2024 Sagebrush Church
