SERMON NOTES AND STUDY GUIDE, 2/11/24

We are on a journey of RENEWAL together as a church. During this series, we are focusing our attention on ACC’S overall purpose and practices. Our purpose is why we exist and our practices are how we live into it. In many ways, we are living out these practices and into our purpose. Our hope is that by clarifying both, we will live it out even more and become a powerful movement that God uses to bring renewal in and around us. This week, we focus on the fifth practice – Bless Others.

1. How have you been BLESSED by another’s time, talent, treasure, and the  telling of their faith story? How did this impact you?
2. At ACC, we are just beginning to attempt to hold to this purpose statement of  “Practicing the way of Jesus together for the renewal of the world.” And,  we believe that living into these five practices will help us to accomplish it. Which of the practices are easiest for you and which are the hardest? [Be with Jesus, Journey Together, Follow the Spirit, Bless others, Restore the world around us]
3. Read the following passages Gen. 12:1-5, What are Abram and Sarai called to in this passage? What does it mean to be “blessed to be a blessing”? Through their obedience, who was impacted? Today, how is this call on Abram and Sarai’s  life relevant to ours as followers of Christ?
4. What does it mean to you to “Bless others” with your time, talent, treasures and the telling of your faith story? How does this bring the kingdom of God to earth, free us from ourselves and help us participate in His greater plan?
5. How do you see Luke 10:1-7  and Matthew 22:37-39 and Matthew 28:16-20 relating to the concept of “Bless others?”
6.  Another way to “Bless others” is as simple as Begin with prayer, Listen, Eat, Serve, and Share your faith story with others. What motivates or holds you back from doing this ? What would need to change in  your life  in order for you to do this more?
7. Who are the 5-8 people God is calling you to pray for to BLESS?