Good Things Happen… When Church Comes to Life

Recently, we crossed the halfway point in our study in the book of Acts, When Church Comes to Life. Throughout our study, I have marveled at the number of different translations and methods our members are utilizing to read through the book of Acts. I am grateful for the many personal testimonies I have heard describing how God is working in the lives of individual believers and small groups. And I am excited about these final weeks of our study.

Here’s what a few of our members are saying about the Acts Study:

Acts gives us the model we want our small groups to live by. –Allen Turner

Studying at home, listening to Dr. Bob expound on the lesson material, and experiencing enlightening sermons on Wednesday nights and in Sunday services has increased our knowledge, enlightened our minds, and given us an appreciation and desire for future studies of this type. -Chig and Jill Findley

This study has reminded me of the importance of taking time to listen for God through the Holy Spirit, especially when we are so busy living our lives today. – John Hodges

The renewed indwelling of the Holy Spirit has been exciting, invigorating, uplifting, powerful and palpable! -Dr. Bob Wilson

Because our class is studying the complete Book of Acts, we are learning, that as Christians, we are challenged daily to speak out on behalf of our faith as Paul spoke. – James Callaway

The book of Acts tells us exactly what the church is all about…bringing in the sheep. It is really nice having the entire church study the same thing. We are able to have conversations between different classes of different generations and we are all on the same page. -Adrian Lovell

The study in Acts has been tremendously beneficial and right on point for our class. As we are learning to BE the church in the 21^st century, it is so helpful to be able to examine the formation, growth, expansion and passion of the church in Acts, and to apply those lessons to our own class and church. – Steve Shell

I've tried to impress on my class how important it is to know what we believe and keep it simple. It was well said in our teaching material on Acts---"Salvation is by the Grace of Christ alone, through Faith alone in Christ alone." -Barbara Shows

Hearing a Sunday message on the same text we’re studying in Sunday School, with related material being discussed on Wednesday evenings is an effective approach that, in my opinion, results in better learning. Working through Acts in a chronological order paints a more accurate picture of the life of the early church, the challenges faced and more importantly, the power of the Holy Spirit. – Larry Hicks

As we continue our studies in Acts, I encourage you to…

• Read Acts in two or three translations.
• Participate faithfully in worship and Bible study.
• Invite a friend to join you.

To prepare for this Sunday, read Acts 17. Come expecting to hear an encouraging word from the Lord.

Connecting with Church

Our aim as a church family in 2010 is to help people connect with God and others through Jesus Christ. Acts is a great book to help us clarify and strengthen the important connections in life. In January we focused on the importance of connecting with Jesus in a personal relationship. In February we are emphasizing the importance of connecting with church.

As the early believers grew in faith and friendship, learning to boldly follow Jesus, something extraordinary began to happen. Luke writes, Then the church ... enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord. Acts 9:31 NIV

In these days of church shopping, when people tend to float from one church to another, affiliating temporarily with whichever group offers the newest fad or the most popular technology, it’s important for us to remember that church is a spiritual family, a network of believers who covenant to be the incarnate presence of God in their community.

My friend Dan Yeary, pastor at North Phoenix Baptist Church provides a great orientation to those who join the congregation he serves:

I tell our new members: you don't join a preacher, you join the church. And you join the church for one reason--because you believe that God told you to plant your life there. If you join because of a style of preaching, that can change. If you join for the facilities or the programs, that can change. You've got to ask, Where does God want me to invest my life?

This Sunday, as we continue our series, When Church Comes to Life, we will be exploring Acts 15:5-21 as we highlight “Lessons in Consensus Building.” We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper in each of our worship services, and then share the Lord’s Supper with our homebound members on Sunday afternoon.

There’s a fresh wind of the Spirit blowing across our First Baptist Family. Don’t miss the opportunities God is sending our way.