Sermon notes to come.

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.—Acts 2:37–47

Sermon Discussion Questions

Main Point: The preaching of Jesus results in salvation and the formation of new community that is formed and established by the Spirit and centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Outline

1. The Gospel Produces New Lives (Acts 2:37–41)
2. The Gospel Forms A New Community (Acts 2:42–47)

Launching Question: Have you ever experienced being “cut to the heart” by God’s word? What was that experience like and how did you respond? 

Discussion Questions

• The right response to the preaching of Christ and the conviction of the Spirit is repentance, faith, and baptism. Have you responded to Jesus in this way? Why or why not?
• What does it mean to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit? How does the Spirit help and empower us for everyday obedience and unusual and radical obedience?
• Take a moment to praise God for saving 3,000 souls. Take a moment to ponder how God can use you and your spheres of influence to proclaim Christ. Take a moment to pray for God to save.
• What is most surprising, convicting, or stunning about the response of the early church and their four commitments (e.g. teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers)?
• Try to imagine the unity, love, mutual care, overflowing generosity, and joy that this early church experienced. Have you ever experienced something like this? Why or why not?

Application Questions

• Are you encouraged to evangelize the lost in light of the simplicity of the gospel message, the simplicity of responding in repentance and faith, and knowing that God is calling people to himself? Why or why not?
• Living for Jesus in today’s culture and society may become increasingly difficult. How can we prepare our hearts and minds to follow Jesus at any cost?
• How can you or your small group further devote yourselves to teaching and corporate worship, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer? What might that look like?
• Are there opportunities for you to display radical and overflowing generosity to fellow believers who are in need? How can you prioritize prayer and hospitality?
• Take a moment to ask God to give us fear, favor, and faith at Bethlehem. Ask God to save the lost through our witness, the preaching of God’s word, and the compelling love of the church lived out among us.

Prayer Focus
Praise God for his work of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus—in your life and in the lives of those whom he will call. Confess any sins of failing to prioritize worship, gathering with fellow believers, fellowship, showing hospitality, and/or generosity in your life. Thank God that he has given his immeasurable riches in Christ Jesus and overflowing joy and life. Ask God to help us to embody and live out the beautiful unity, generosity, and love of the early church at Bethlehem.