Paul Explains Christians' Relationship With Christ

Bible Point: God's Power saves us by his Grace

Key Verse:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—
and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not
by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Bible Exploration: Ephesians 1:15-2:10


Ephesians 2:8-9 is probably the most commonly
referenced passage in the Bible when talking about salvation
by grace through faith. The following acrostic quite nicely
states what grace really is:

G od’s
R iches
A t
C hrist’s
E xpense

Other religions, and even many people in our own culture, tend to manufacture ways that they think will get them to God. Most often such methods involve doing good works.
However, Paul pointed out that there’s nothing we can do to work our way to salvation.
God, in his great power and love, gave us the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus. The good works we do in our lives are not to win God’s favor, but instead to fulfill what God created us to do.

Even though we know we can’t earn our friendship with Jesus, we often try to anyway. Maybe it’s because we spend so much time trying to impress each other. In what subtle ways are you trying to earn God’s love or impress Jesus? It’s wasted energy. Take a moment to thank God for loving you without any strings attached. The more you celebrate God’s grace, the easier it is to stop trying to earn his favor.

Family Challenge:
In what ways can you show grace to each other this week? Maybe you can do something special for someone, even when they don't deserve it. Point out someone of the things you do for your family as a model for how God uses his power to love us unconditionally.

Paul Teaches in Athens

Bible Point: God is the Creator of heaven and earth

Key Verse: "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth”(Isaiah 40:28a).

Bible Exploration: Acts 17:16-31

In New Testament times, idols were prevalent in Athens. In the United States today, one might argue that consumerism and selfishness are the idols of our generation. When I think of this passage as a story in modern times, I can imagine Paul preaching at the mall or at Best Buy, asking people what they are worshiping?

If you were to tell people what the value is in worshiping God, over worshiping this world, what would you say about Him. Think about specific things you absolutely, without any doubt, believe about God. You may think of a few things or many. Then think about the sources of your ideas. Maybe your ideas about God came from friends,parents, books, or teachers. Maybe you grew up in a Christian home and simply believe what your parents taught you. Maybe you are struggling to discover God and aren’t sure what you believe. Maybe you know a great deal about God, yet don’t feel you really know God. Maybe you have many reasons to back up what you believe.

• Family Challenge:
  For the next week, keep a journal of God-sightings—places
  you’ve seen God at work. Stop to thank God after each
  entry you make. At the end of the week, share what you’ve
  seen with someone else who doesn’t know God.
  

Christians Care for One Another

Key Point: God wants Christians to treat each other with loving care.

Key Verse: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting
together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us
encourage one another—and all the more as you see the
Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Bible Exploration: Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23

The early believers did their best to live together in peace. The way they lived wasn’t just important for their little community, it was important for their witness to those who were watching.

To discuss:

• Think about your closest friends - What are some of the things that you have in common? Do you reject/prevent others from joining your group of friends because of religion, race, socioeconomics, age, etc...
• What are some of the benefits of meeting with other Christians? Are there any negatives to meeting/being friends with people who are like you?
• Do you feel like meeting with others encourages you to do good deeds?

Family Challenge:

• Spend an evening writing friendly notes to church
  members who your family is acquainted with. You may
  choose people you don’t get along with or people you
  simply don’t talk to much.

Stephen Forgives His Accusers as They Stone Him

Bible Point: We share our faith in Jesus with words and actions.



Key Verse: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be
prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to
give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this
with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).



Bible Exploration: Acts 6:8-7:60


Though we don’t see it often in the United States, people in other
parts of the world are killed every day for their beliefs. Stephen’s
death was key in the life of the early church and a signi cant
moment in biblical history. It was one of the most visible examples
and earliest depictions of a person dying for telling others the truth
about Jesus.

To think about and discuss:
What role does relationship play when sharing God’s love?

Is there ever a time when it’s not appropriate to talk about your
faith? Why or why not?

Realistically, what can people learn about your faith if you don’t
say a single word?

Family Challenge:

• Think of five people you’d like to come to know Christ.
These could be work associates, family members,
neighbors, or friends. Write their names down somewhere
on this paper and commit to praying for them each day.
Look for opportunities to share.

Jesus Returns to Heaven

Bible Point: God wants us to tell the world about Jesus

Key Verse: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the
very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Bible Exploration: Mathew 28:16-20, Acts 1:1-11

The story today is about the Great Commission. Jesus clearly wants us to be his witnesses—to share our faith, so that others can have a personal relationship with him and to let them know that Jesus will return from heaven one day.

So why don't we share our faith with others? These are some of my excuses:
I'm an introvert.
I don't want to be a Bible banger and make people uncomfortable.
My friendships with non-Christians are mostly superficial - we talk about the weather or TV, not deeper issues like life and death or religion.

What are yours?


Family Challenge:

• Bring clothes and food to a local homeless shelter or
  volunteer some time to a charity organization.
  Get to know the people you’re serving, and learn more about
  what needs you—and Jesus—can help meet.