1. Exploring the Church

2. QUESTIONS

3. Exploring the Church QUESTIONS SHARE YOUR SENTIMENTAL ITEM AND TELL WHY IT MEANS SO MUCH TO YOU

4. Exploring the Church TERMS: 1. martyr – witness, one who is killed because of his/her strong beliefs or support of a cause; Acts 2:32, 3:15, 5:32, 7 2. persecute – “to cause to suffer because of belief” (Merriam-Webster); Acts 8:1-3

7. Exploring the Church Important Details About the Early Christian Church A. They didn’t consider themselves as being anything other than good Jews “ they worshipped together at the Temple each day” (Acts 2:46), “Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service” (Acts 3:1), “and the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon’s Colonnade” (Acts 5:12) B. They ran afoul of the Temple leaders very early on 1) because of their teaching about Jesus (Acts 4:2, 16-18; 5:26-28) 2) because of their teaching on the resurrection (Acts 4:2) C. Initially, the apostles focused their energy on ministering in the vicinity of Jerusalem (Acts 1-8)

8. Exploring the Church Important Details Cont. D. They were held in high regard by the community “...all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people” (Acts 2:47) “No one else dared to join them, though everyone had high regard for them” (Acts 5:13) “Crowds came in from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick...” (Acts 5:16) E. Apostles emphasized their role as witnesses of Christ’s life 1) as eye-witnesses to the events of Jesus life and ministry (Acts 2:32, 3:15, 5:32 2) as willing to suffer persecution and death because of the message (Good News) they shared (Acts 7) F. They weren’t called ‘Christians’ at first 1) referred to (themselves?) as “believers” (Acts 2:44, 4:32, 5:12 [implied], 5:14) 2) known as “followers of the Way” in Damascus (Acts 9:2, 22:3-5) 3) first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:26)

10. Exploring the Church What caused the church to move out from Jerusalem as a center of ministry? 1) Jesus’ commission/command (internal cause) “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations...” (Matthew 28:19) “But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) 2) Ministry to believers outside of Jerusalem (internal cause #2) - (Acts 9:32-42ff.) 3) Persecution by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem circ. 35 AD(external cause) “A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem, and all the believers except the apostles fled into Judea and Samaria.” (Acts 8:1) 4) The Fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD (external cause #2)

11. Exploring the Church Make a Prediction How does moving the center of ministry out of Jerusalem affect the church?

12. Exploring the Church Dates to Remember Dec. 8 th /10 th – No Study Group Dec. 15 th – Review (Fun & Games!) Dec. 22 nd /24 th – No Study Group (BUT Catechism group will meet 12/22) Dec. 29 th /31 st – No Study Group

13. Exploring the Church The Lord’s Prayer Our Father in heaven, Your name is holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory belong to you forever and ever. Amen.