Text Study for Sunday, May 11, 2025

Series Theme: Called Together And Sent Out

Reading: Acts 4:31-35

Connecting Question

Have you experienced an earthquake? Other significant weather event?

Prayer for Illumination

Everlasting God, the whole universe sings a new song of praise: the rivers clap their hands, the hills ring out for joy. As you have raised us to new life in Christ, give us voices ready to cry out for justice and proclaim resurrection joy wherever your Spirit leads us. In Jesus' name we boldly pray. Amen.

CONTEXT

Christ is Risen! Alleluia! As Christians we are “Called Together and Sent Out!” This next sermon series will explore ways the earliest believers were both brought together throughout diverse settings and sent out into the world to share the good news. We will learn from stories that bridge differences and find common ground in faith. How can Easter learn from these stories to both build community and continue to always look beyond to love and serve?

From Dr Matt Skinner at EntertheBible.org:

Several of Jesus’ parables and teachings in this Gospel warn against wealth’s potential to corrupt a person. Turning to wealth as a source of security is seen as evidence of a person’s unwillingness to trust God and follow the ways of God’s reign (“kingdom”). Luke recognizes God’s concern for those who are poor, as famously illustrated in the words of Mary, Jesus’ mother, in 1:52-53.

Look at the Book

How is it with your spirit this week?
Easter is a season of new life...in Christ. Where have you seen signs of new life this week?
Acts 1:8, this is a key verse for how the church was planted and grew. What do you learn?
In Acts 1:8, power is the root of the same word, “dynamite.” What is the source of a Christians power?
Jump to Acts 4:31. What happened? What was the result?
An earthquake was a physical sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit. While this may not happen here in Minnesota, what is a sign of the church’s presence in our community?
Tell about a time you spoke boldly about something important to you. What did it feel like?
What is the picture verse 32 paints of the early Christians? What is appealing and what is scary?
Are there limits to sharing? What can be shared? What cannot be shared? Why?
What do you make of verse 33? How does Easter share good news with our community?
Verse 34 paints a rosy picture of the church. How are we called to walk beside and support “the needy?” Is this only speaking about economic inequality?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

Taking it Home

Consider visiting the Open Door Food Pantry and learning about their current needs.

God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Grow Guide | May 11, 2025