Bible Study 1: Lifelong Discipleship Formation
Let us pray:
God of steadfast love,
The earth and all that is within it proclaim your wondrous works. The mystery of your splendor, the hope of your redemption, the truth of your salvation are daily made manifest throughout your beloved creation. You are, indeed, a living God who longs to reveal in wisdom and in truth. You long for relationships of righteousness. You desire for your people to marvel at your majesty and be transformed by your grace. Lord, we admit we do not always perceive it. We fear to follow; we ignore our discipleship. In Christ, help us to have courage and conviction to walk in faith that seeks wisdom and righteousness all of our days. Make us a people whose lives proclaim your story, and witness to your love. Form us as your disciples, so that we might be instruments of your will and grow ever closer to you. For this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
Read this through several times. Highlight words, phrases, images, thoughts, etc. that speak to you. Share and discuss these in the comments below. This passage is from the New Revised Standard Version, the bible we use in worship. A useful exercise is to compare this with other translations/interpretations. Often the differences give us some insight into the original language.
Acts 2:42-47 (NRSV)
[42] They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
[43] Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. [44] All who believed were together and had all things in common; [45] they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. [46] Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, [47] praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
I feel that our small session group feels like this at times for myself. The good feeling I get knowing we are doing Gods work together.
As I read the devotion and commitment these disciples had it gives me a feeling of hope and promise. This writing gives me a sense of the joy they experienced and positive lifestyle they lived . May I and others continue to strive to be like them.
Both Janet and Ann mentioned feelings. There are lots of feeling words in this passage: devotion, awe, gladness, generosity, and goodwill. Other good questions to ponder are: From where did these feelings come? Is that source available to us? To what did these feelings lead? Is this a desirable thing for us? How so?