BIG TIME FAITH

Acts 2:42-47

We are called to be a church that GATHERS.

We ______________________________________.  John 4:23

We ______________________________________.  Acts 2:46

We are called to be a church that GIVES.

We ______________________________________.  1 Corinthians 12:4-27

We ______________________________________.  2 Corinthians 8:7-8

We are called to be a church that GROWS.

Acts 2:47       Acts 5:14        Acts 6:7        Acts 9:31

We ______________________________________.

We ______________________________________.

2 Corinthians 5:11, 20

Big Time Dreams require _____________________________________.

The areas that you ___________________________ are the key to your spiritual growth because they _________________________________________.

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

What is the biggest risk you have taken in life?  Why did you do it?

Very briefly describe the time you first put your faith in trust in Jesus.

“Big Time Dreams Require Big Time Faith”  Do you agree or disagree with that statement?  Why?  Besides becoming a follower of Jesus, what is the greatest faith-related risk you’ve taken?

SCRIPTURE QUESTIONS

Read Acts 2:42-47.  In the message we heard about 6 specific areas that are important to being the kind of church God dreams for us to be.  Can you recall what they are?

How do you see each of them portrayed in this scripture passage?

Look at each of the 6 areas individually.  As a group, discuss why you think each one is    important to the health of our church?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

The areas we struggle with require the most faith…and the greatest dependence on God.  Can you name the two areas that are your greatest challenge?

Take time as a group to pray for each person for the courage and strength to take steps of faith and trust in that area.

MESSAGE NOTES

The dream I want to see become reality is…

Some dreams are good, but ______________________________________.

Matthew 16:16-18

Acts 1:8-9

Acts 2:22-24, 36-41

Acts 2:42-47

God dreams of a church that:

________________         ________________         ________________

If we want to realize God’s dream for us, it’s going to take _______________________________  giving __________________________________.

Isaiah 40:29      “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.”

2 Corinthians 12:9     “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Philippians 4:13     “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Are you willing to ________________________________________for us?

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

What dreams did you have as a kid?

How would you complete this statement today: the dream I want to see become reality is…

SCRIPTURE QUESTIONS

Read Acts 2:42-47.  In the message we heard about three things (starting with the letter “g”) that God dreamed his church would be:  Can you recall what they are?

How do you see each of them portrayed in this scripture passage?

We’ll be unpacking those three things more fully next week, but for now…. which one do you think will be easiest for you?  Which of them do you think you will find hardest to do?  Why?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

From the message: “If we’re going to realize God’s dream for our church, it’s going to take every one of us giving everything we’ve got.”  What does that statement stir up in you?

When it comes to the dream God has for His church and the part you play in it, what are the things that hold you back most?

Look up these verses from the message:  Isaiah 40:29    2 Corinthians 12:9    Philippians 4:13

How do they encourage you to embrace God’s dream for His church (and for you personally)?