The New Shape of Things: Tools for Building it While You Ride it
Acts 1:1-5
Richard Dahlstrom, Senior Pastor
Jesus prepared his followers for an uncertain future with a 40 day mini-Bible school after his resurrection. He ‘gathered them together’ and taught them two important things:
Convincing Proofs
Witnesses
Women as First Witnesses
The Scars
Important Information – Kingdom of God
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Discussion Questions
Before questions, attempt to give the group a bit of a summary of the main points of the sermon and then choose a few questions that fit your group’s needs and style. We don’t intend for you to use all of these. Three to five questions may be a good number.
What circumstances have changed for you as you woke up in this new world?
We heard this week about many proofs of Jesus’s resurrection and the importance of determining real vs. fake news; how does what you believe to be true ultimately determine your value?
Can you add to the list of ways that Jesus’ kingdom is opposite to the world in which we live?
Our world loves being served: greatness comes from serving in Jesus’ kingdom
Focused on greed/saving for self: generosity and empowerment
Tribal (in voting, thinking, spending): all humanity being from one blood, ALL belong
The world likes to worry and Pastor Richard reminds us that though we can mitigate, control is an illusion. Read Matthew 6:24. What would it look like to seek the kingdom; to embody love peace, hospitality and courage in your daily life without worry for the present/future?
How might you spend your time being an encouragement to someone else this week? Can you name one person you commit to seek out this week?
Read Hebrews 12:26-28. Pastor Richard reminds us this week that no earthly kingdom lasts forever as he lists history of fallen powers with each fake dollar.
What has been your kingdom? (upward mobility, health, great sex, job, house, etc.)
God teaches us throughout history that the earth is shaken but that we have received a kingdom that can never be shaken. How might we align with God’s kingdom today and now?
What changes to your life would have to be made to invest in God’s kingdom, to seek to embody love, peace, hospitality, and courage to those with whom you speak?
Participate in the family exercise:
Take a piece of fake money (or a slip of paper in its place) and write down some of the things you trust in that won't last forever.
As you name those things, either places them under a cross individually or choose to share with the group.