Sunday, August 28, 2022
“Scattered Church”
Acts 8:1-8

Memory Verse: “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” – (Acts 8:1b)

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. (Acts 8:1)

diaspeiro = to scatter as seed is scattered on the ground.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. (Acts 8:4-6)

“When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.” (Acts 7:54)

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. (Acts 7:57)

So there was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:8)

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. (Luke 13:34-35a)

The “How”

  1. Identify your potential audiences
  2. Identify your potential partners
  3. Pick one and start or join a community
  4. Listen to them
  5. Love and serve them
  6. Build community
  7. Explore discipleship
  8. Shape the church
  9. Do it again

Add A Note

Reflection Questions:

  1. Who is your potential audiences? Think of your networks, neighborhood, and needs that are around you. Questions to consider: What am I already doing? What do I enjoy doing? How can I do this with others? Who in my community is not connected to the church? How are they already gathering? To which group of people do I feel called?
  2. Who are your potential partners? Questions to consider: Who do I already know in this community? Who do I want to get to know? Who is someone who shares my heart or passion?
  3. What is your next step?

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