MESSAGE OVERVIEW
In this final message, from week eight, Pastor Greg challenges us to follow John’s example as a disciple and as one who testifies about what He has seen and heard from Jesus.
MESSAGE NOTES
Now Jesus performed many other miraculous signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these {things} are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. ~ John 20:30-31
This is the disciple who testifies about these things and has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. ~ John 21:24
This is the disciple who testifies about these things and has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. ~ John 21:24
Mathétés (GREEK) ~ Learner (ENGLISH)
a learner – the student of a master – one who serves a master
Martureó (GREEK) ~ Testify (ENGLISH)
It is the same word used in legal testimony in a court of law.
With many other words he testified and exhorted them saying, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation!” (Essentially, come away, from this mess, come away with me my love!) So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added. ~ Acts 2:40-41
They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Reverential awe came over everyone, and many wonders and miraculous signs came about by the apostles. All who believed were together and held everything in common, and they began selling their property and possessions and distributing the proceeds to everyone, as anyone had need. Every day they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, praising God and having the good will of all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number every day those who were being saved. ~ Acts 2:42-47
There’s nothing like the local church when the local church is working right –it’s the hope of the world. ~ Pastor Bill Hybels
GO DEEPER
ALOHA GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
READ: John 21:24
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Pastor Greg said part of the definition of a disciple is that they have to testify to the truth about Jesus. Do you consider yourself a disciple? Why or why not?
2) How often do you “testify” about your faith in Jesus? Is there anything that holds you back from boldly testifying? If so, what? How can you overcome that limiting character flaw?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) What was your reaction to the song “Asleep In The Light” that Pastor Greg sang during his sermon? Are you aware of any churches that could be described in this way? Is our church in danger of being described in this way?
2) What can we do to insure that our church, in general, as well as each of us as an individual Christ follower, never falls asleep in the light?
READ: Acts 2:40-41
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Can you imagine if our church were to suddenly grow by 3,000 people in a single day? Do you believe that is possible or was that only a one time thing in the Book of Acts? Explain your answer.
READ: Acts 2:42-47
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Pastor Greg indicated that this is Jesus’ intended model, not just for the first church, but for every church on down through history. Do you agree or disagree with Greg about that? Explain your reasoning.
2) Do you think this is a description of our church or would you describe our church differently?
3) Pretend a friend asks you to describe what our church does and you want to give an answer that is similar in length to Acts 2:42-47, how would you accurately describe the current state and activities of our church?
READ: Revelation Chapter 2 and Chapter 3
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Pastor Greg shared briefly about the seven churches Jesus spoke to in Revelation. Greg said these represent all churches everywhere and in ever time. Do you agree or disagree with Greg about that? Explain your reasoning.
2) Of these seven churches, which one is the best description of our church right now?