Sermon Notes:
1. The idea of the Church was a mystery to the first century Jewish people.
2. The book of Acts is written about the Church and for the Church.
3. The book of Acts tells us of our roots.
a. All through the book of Acts you will see rhythms of God moving.
b. All through the book of Acts you will see rhythms of external persecution.
c. All through the book of Acts you will see rhythms of internal problems.
4. The book of Acts tells us of our fruits.
a. The centrality of our love for Jesus binds us together as one people.
Follow-up Questions from Sunday:
Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Digging Deeper:
1. In Luke 24:13-25 the disciples on the road to Emmaus were confused about Jesus? What were they expecting Jesus to do in vs 21? (Hint Isaiah 9:6-7)
2. How does Jesus explain the mystery of His identity to them in Luke 25-27? How do you explain the mystery of a suffering Messiah and a ruling King?
3. In Acts 1:6, it appears that the disciples finally understood the mystery that the Messiah had to die for the sins of the world (Isaiah.53). What was their question to Him now?
4. In Acts 1: 7-8, how would you describe Jesus’ answer to them?
5. The Apostle Paul calls the Church a mystery over and over again in Ephesians 3 because they didn’t see it coming in Old Testament prophecy. What are some of the mysteries in the Scriptures that God has revealed to you? Why do you think God allows mystery in the first place?
6. If you were to describe the book of Acts to a new Christian, what would you say it is?
7. In the message on Sunday, Pastor Frank showed that there were rhythms all through the book of Acts with God moving, external persecutions, God moving, internal problems, God moving etc. How do you see some of these rhythms happening in the Church today around the world and in our own church?
8. In Acts 1:14, 2:46, 4:24, 4:32, 5:12, 15:25, it records a oneness of unity in the Church. What do you think was the key to keeping their oneness of unity back then and today?
9. In Acts 1:9-11, what was the message of the angels to the disciples? Many theologians believe that the mystery of the “Church Age” will end when the Holy Spirit is taken up and Jesus returns for His Church. What are you most looking forward to in Jesus’ Kingdom?
Taking it Home:
What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?
Extra credit:
Read the sermon of the Apostle Paul in Acts 13:16-43. What were the key ingredients of his message?