Discussion Questions:

1. The Church as a Contrast Community
The sermon described the early church as a “contrast community” — a group whose life together stood out from the surrounding culture. What would it look like for our church to be a true contrast community in today’s world? In what ways might our habits or priorities need to change to stand out as distinctly shaped by the gospel?

2. The DNA of Discipleship
The believers in Acts “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” How can we as individuals and as a small group cultivate that same kind of devotion to learning and living out Scripture? What practices help you stay a disciple rather than just a spectator in your faith?

3. Friendship & Fellowship
The sermon emphasized koinonia — a deep, Spirit-formed fellowship that transcends background or culture. What qualities make for genuine Christian friendship? How can we intentionally build relationships within the church that go beyond social comfort or similarity and reflect the unity we share in Christ?

4. Mercy, Service, and Witness
The early church’s generosity and care for one another earned them favor with outsiders. How does serving others — both inside and outside the church — earn the church a right to be heard? Where might God be calling you (or us) to embody his mercy in practical ways right now?

5. Evangelism
The Lord “added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” What is the content of the gospel message that needs to be shared? How does God use all five characteristics (Discipleship, Fellowship, Worship, Service, and Evangelism) to “add to the number day by day those who were being saved”?