Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection:

Read Acts 2: 42-47.

1. Read the Apostles’ Creed together as a group... I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

2. The two most common Greek words in the New Testament for “church” are ekklesia, which means “called out” or “assembly” and kuriakon which means “belonging to the Lord.” How does understanding these Greek words for church help you better understand the true meaning of church?

3. If the word holy means “set apart” and the word catholic means “everywhere,” what does that tell us about the true nature of the church according to the Creed?

4. What are some key attributes of the early New Testament church as described in Acts 2: 42-47? In what ways does the modern church look like this? In what ways does it fall short?

5. Pastor Mick talked about koinonia, or “fellowship,” in reference to the Acts 2 church. Why is this koinonia so important?

6. What does the church as “beloved community” mean to you? What are some ways churches exemplify such a beloved community? In what ways do they fall short?

7. Gandhi said, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” What did he mean by that? What does that say about the modern church? How can we do better? Why do we need to do better?

8. What is the Creed talking about with the word “saints”? Who are these “saints” and how are they in communion, and with whom are they in communion?

9. How can the church be the continuing presence of Jesus in the world and why is that important?

Prayer for the Week:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of your church and the privilege you’ve granted us to be part of it. Remind us often that it is not our church, but your church. You, Lord Jesus, are the Head of your church. Help us to be obedient to you and follow your leading. Draw us together as your people into a true fellowship as a family of believers. Forgive us for our many dysfunctional ways and help us to be more loving and forgiving. Above all, help us to reveal your love to the world by the way we do life together under your Lordship. We love you, Jesus, and we surrender our lives to you anew this day. May all that we say and do bring you honor and glory. Amen.