Devote
Last Edition Recap
How have you applied the last edition to your life?
Opening Prayer
God, you have allowed us to learn more about you. You have planned for us to be here now. And you have given so much to ensure we may have a personal relationship with you. Please grow us and draw us closer to you. Teach us how to become more devoted to you. For Christ’s sake, Amen.
Intro
Many times we are exposed to empty promises. On the Internet, in the media and plastered on billboards. There are products forcefully displayed on our mobile devices advertising them to be perhaps not as great as they are. Models are airbrushed to look better than what is real.
This spin-off of this form of dishonesty breeds pessimism and scepticism.
Sadly, many people start mistrusting God due to our daily exposure to dishonesty. Some have had bad experiences with Christianity, whether in a church or a “Christian”, whereby they blame God for that experience. Bottom line: The Holy Sinless Perfect Loving God gets blamed for the actions of the Selfish Sinful Imperfect Sinner who claims to be a “Christian” (False advertising at best).
Chat Point 1
- How have you witnessed or experienced false advertising or false promises?
Read
- Do you know anyone who distrusts God and His Church because of an individual?
- What does God promise?
- What should we do to have His promise realised?
- In light of Jeremiah 29:11-13, why should God and His Church NOT be blamed for an individual’s reckless actions?
3 Truths:
- God never forgets his promises.
- God has never broken a promise.
- God always comes through on what he has promised.
God is devoted. It is not in God’s nature to let any of us down. Sometimes, it may feel like it, but what are we instructed to do?
God IS devout… the Cross of Christ proves it.
- Devote: very loving or loyal.
- Devoted: give all or a large part of one’s time or resources to (a person, activity, or cause).
- Devout: committed to a cause or belief.
We have proven that we can be devoted. We devote ourselves to our jobs, hobbies, sports, family, gambling, etc., – none of which can save your soul. Sadly, we are not as devoted to God as we think. We find ourselves more dedicated to those things than the only ONE who promises to save us for eternity.
Read
Key Focus
- the apostles’ teaching and
- to fellowship,
- to the breaking of bread and
- to prayer.
Chat Point 2
- What stands out for you in the passage?
- What do you think the main point is?
- What would it look like if Christians applied this principle or lesson to their lives today?
- What is Jesus telling you personally as you reflect on this lesson?
- How can our group become more devoted together?
What are your prayer requests?
Closing Prayer
God, you prompt us to become more devoted followers of you. Forgive us for talking more about following you than actually following you. May we apply this challenge, and may we become more devout Christians. Amen.
In-between Chats: Personal Reflection
- Re-read Acts 2:42
- Write down an action plan of how you will be devoted to the four areas listed.
- Read it to the group the next time you meet. Do this to help one another achieve the goals you have set out in your action plan.
Edition Writer: Rev Kevin Zondagh
Executive Coach, Life Coach, and Ordained Minister. Founder of CoffeeChatConnect and the Exemplar Coaching Company.