Sunday Sermon

“Just Wait” - October 25Scripture: Acts 2:38-47 (NRSV)Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 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, 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.

My Notes:

Growing Deeply Week of October 26 – October 31

a daily scripture guide

MONDAY: Luke 3:10-14 The central question REFLECTION: “What then should we do?” is the central question of Christian life. In this passage, John the Baptist answers by focusing on distributing financial resources to those in need. JOURNAL: Write about a time someone helped you when you were in need. How did this affect your faith? Where are places in your life where you can help others?

TUESDAY: Acts 2:38-47 What is baptism? REFLECTION: In this passage, Peter is asked the same question as John the Baptist was in yesterday’s verse. Peter, however, focuses on baptism and the forgiveness of sins as first steps. DRAW: Draw what baptism means to you. Be as creative as you want. Hang the picture as a reminder that your sins have been forgiven.

WEDNESDAY: Acts 2:38-47 Four actions REFLECTION: Peter notes four main actions of Christians once they are baptized: listening to the gospel, building relationships, eating meals together and praying. These four activities helped them to grow in their faith and to bring more people to Christ. ACTION: Focus on one of these four actions today by doing it. Maybe you could invite a friend to Wednesday Night Live, set aside a longer time to pray tonight, etc.

THURSDAY: 1 Corinthians 11:17-28 Ties that bind REFLECTION: In this letter, Paul is writing to a church full of divisions. It is easy to create cliques within a church and accidentally exclude others. But as Paul reminds us, we should all be equal and welcome at Christ’s table. SONG: Sing or read through “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” (UMH No. 557) and remind yourself of the importance of the Christian love we share together.

FRIDAY: Luke 22:15-20 Jesus’s declaration REFLECTION: The Lord’s supper reminds us of the sacrifice Jesus made for us. His body is broken for us. His blood is spilled for us. PRAYER: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

SATURDAY: 1 Corinthians 11:17-28 In remembrance of me REFLECTION: A true celebration of the Lord’s supper requires solemn and thankful reflection and remembrance. Often, rituals become so familiar we can forget their importance. Fight this habit and “come to this meal in holy awe.” ACTION: Take time out of your day to solemnly recite and reflect on the Lord’s Prayer.Read or subscribe to the full weekly Growing Deeply Guide at moumc.org/grow Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.

Read or subscribe to the full weekly Growing Deeply Guide at moumc.org/grow Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.