Discussion Guide
Last week, we talked about how the church is not just the building where we gather for services- it's a community, led by the Holy Spirit. This week we focused on individually going all out and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us to care for others in 2025.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. What is something you are skilled at or enjoy doing, like sports, exercise, puzzles, or other activities?
2. Read Acts 2:42-47, Ephesians 2:10. What are some issues in our current time that break your heart? Do we seem to care about the needs of others as the Acts 2 church did? What were we created to do?
Notes: The early church was passionate about following the example of Jesus. We may not look exactly like the Acts 2 church did, but we are still called to live a life of service. We are created to contribute not just consume. We were created to do good works in Christ Jesus.
3. Go Outside the Four Walls. Read Matthew 20:28, John 13:15-17. Why did Jesus come? How can we follow His example?
Notes: In Jesus time servants were the ones serving but Jesus turned this concept upside down as he came to serve. The Acts 2 church did meet in the temple and the temple courts (Acts 2:46a) but most of the things we read about were happening outside the temple. They were following Christ example by sharing possessions, eating together in homes, praising God, and adding to their numbers daily. We need to meet to pray, learn, and worship together, but discipleship and serving happens outside the walls of the church building.
4. See the Need, Meet the Need. Read John 2:1-5, Matthew 20:30-32, Proverbs 3:28. Discuss how Jesus was willing to be interrupted in each of these scriptures. How might you need to reconsider your view on meeting the needs of others?
Notes: In Jesus time here on earth He constantly allowed interruptions and served others. Maybe we could start seeing these interruptions as an appointment from God. Instead of expecting the church to meet every need ask God how you can meet the need first.
5. Share the Gospel. Read Matthew 28:16-20, Romans 10:13-15. How can we practically “make disciples” in our daily lives? What obstacles do we need to overcome to follow the example of Jesus? How can we encourage one another to boldly share the good news even when it feels intimidating or difficult?
Notes: Jesus entire ministry of miracles, caring for others, healing, etc., was all about showing them that he was the Savior of the world. We need to be the light for those looking for hope, especially if they do not yet know Jesus. We want them to be drawn in by the light of the Holy Spirit working through us. We want that to happen at The Cove Church but also outside of these four walls in your daily lives.
Action Step: Jesus went “all out” for me and you. God has put people in our lives specifically for us to meet their physical and spiritual needs. How will you prepare to get outside the walls, meets other's needs, and share the gospel?