W.I.H.N.? He's Leading the Church-

Summary:  The head of the Church (Jesus) specifically defines the mission and purpose for the body (Christians).  We see clear instructions for us from Jesus in the following ways:  1. Do what Jesus did, 2. Rely on the power that Jesus relied on, 3. Proclaim the message that Jesus proclaimed, and 4. Be bold like Jesus was bold.

Text: Ephesians 1:22-23 and Acts 5:12-42


1.  Do What Jesus Did
READ Acts 5:12-16
a. What things do you see this early church doing that Jesus did during his ministry on earth?  (people being loved, people being saved, people being healed, and people being delivered from evil spirits).

b. How does the world today see the actions and love of Jesus since he isn't physically here on earth?  How are people going to feel loved by Jesus today?  (we have to show them).  How are people going to be saved today?  (we have to tell them)

c. Do you think you are doing a good job as his representative?  What are you doing right?  What areas are you struggling in?  Does the Church today look like the Jesus it claims to represent?  How?


DOING GOOD THINGS PUBLICLY IN THE NAME OF JESUS IS WHAT THE HEAD HAS TOLD THE BODY TO DO.


2.  Rely On The Power That Jesus Relied On.
READ Acts 5:17-24
a. Many of the healings, miracles, and incredible spiritual milestones that seem so common in the book of Acts are very rare in the American Church today.  Why is that?
(God is still moving and active, but man gives the credit for His power to more easily explainable things.  We don't believe God can or is willing to do the same things in the world today.  We don't think we need God to do those things for us anymore. We are trying to tap into our own power instead of the power of God.)

b.  Which statement better describes your spiritual life:
-I want to lead a safe, contained, explainable existence that produces average results and maintains the status quo.
-I want to lead a risky, contagious, unexplainable life that produces results that can only be attributed to a supernatural move of God.

What steps do you need to take to move from where you are to where you want to be spiritually?


YOUR POWER, YOUR ABILITIES, YOUR STRENGTH, AND YOUR RESULTS ARE UNIMPRESSIVE AND WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THE RESULTS THAT GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO.


3.  Proclaim the Message that Jesus Proclaimed.
READ Acts 5:17, 20, 25-33
a. Albert Einstein once said, "If you can't explain it simply, then you don't understand it well enough."
-What is the "message" of Jesus?  Brainstorm with your group a strong definition of the Gospel in 2-3 sentences.  Can you explain the Gospel in 1 minute or less?

b. What are the different components of Peter's Gospel talk? (Died on cross, raised from the dead, savior of the world, repentance, forgiveness of sins, receive power of Holy Spirit)



4.  Be Bold Just Like Jesus Was Bold
READ Acts 5:21, 33, 40-42
a.  What are some of the excuses we give of not being bold?  What were some of the excuses that the disciples could have given?  (told not to, threatened, imprisoned, and beaten).

b.  Close with vs 42.  Talk about how these 3 phrases impact you today.
-"Everyday"- The Church was not just a Sunday event, but a lifestyle
-"In the temple"- The Church was dedicated to worshiping together
-"House to House"- The Church was dedicated to learning, encouraging, and challenging each other together