Unit 1: God’s People Offer Praise
Believers Praise God | Bible Background • ACTS 2:32-33, 37-47 Printed Text • ACTS 2:32-33, 37-47 | Devotional Reading • PSALM 134
AIM FOR CHANGE
By the end of this lesson, we will UNDERSTAND the role of Christ and the Holy Spirit in our lives, DISCERN how the Holy Spirit inspires believers to share a life of worship, and PLAN opportunities for people to begin a relationship with Jesus through our ministries.
IN FOCUS
For years, the church had prayed for a new building to house a soup kitchen and beds for the homeless in the community. As head of the homeless ministry, Jessica was devastated by the pastor’s decision to divert funds from the new building to missions work in India.
“How could you use the building funds like that? Some of them are not even Christians. Pastor, we need a bigger building. This community deserves our help,” Jessica stated. “We are getting a bigger church every time we save a soul or feed a body. It doesn’t matter if it’s here at home or throughout the world. Come with us next month and see for yourself,” said Pastor Whitaker. Jessica agreed.
One month later, Jessica and the members of her church arrived in Mumbai, India. The riverbanks overflowed, and the city was dirty and desperate. Pastor Whitaker shared the Gospel and held prayer meetings. They passed out medication, prepared meals, and sterilized linens and clothing for people left homeless by the monsoons.
When Jessica returned home, the size of the church building was insignificant. She realized that because of the sacrifices she and the rest of the mission team made, God’s Church was increased. The community of faith is much larger than the four walls of her local church body. These people needed help, too.
Are you willing to sacrifice and share for the improvement of the entire church body? What are some elements of what makes a great church?
FOCAL VERSES
KJV Acts 2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.