Intentional Discipleship: Living in Response to Christ's Love

Summary

After a summer of rest and reflection, it is a joy to be back together as a church family, ready to pursue what God has for us in this new season. The heart of our gathering is to be intentional and deliberate in everything we do, especially in making disciples. This means not just talking about following Jesus, but actually structuring our lives and our church around knowing Him, walking with Him, and doing what He says. Our time together is not just about having a good experience or checking a box; it’s about inviting God’s presence, surrendering to Him, and letting Him shape us as a people.

We are committing to start each week with prayer, inviting God to move in our midst and in the lives of those around us. Prayer is not a formality but a declaration that we need God and want Him to do what only He can do. We are also focusing on the core values found in Acts 2:42-47: devotion to the Word, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, unity, and generosity. These are not just ideals but practical ways we live in response to the love Christ has shown us. Everything we do—whether it’s gathering for worship, serving through projects like “Mats that Matter,” or meeting in midweek groups—is rooted in remembering what Jesus has done and letting that shape our actions.

It’s important to recognize that following Jesus is not about earning His love or ticking off spiritual tasks. Instead, our obedience and growth are a response to His love and sacrifice for us. There is a danger in reducing faith to a one-time decision or a ritual, missing the ongoing transformation that comes from truly knowing Christ. The call is to move beyond spiritual complacency, to examine where we are, and to take the next step in following Jesus—whether that means learning, serving, or simply being honest with God about our need for Him.

As we take communion, we remember that everything starts with what Jesus has done for us. This remembrance is not just a ritual but a catalyst for living differently. The invitation is simple: follow Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for His love. Let’s be a people who help each other grow, who make disciples, and who live every day in response to the grace we have received.

Key Takeaways

- Intentional Prayer Invites God’s Presence
Making prayer a priority is not just a tradition but a way of declaring our dependence on God. When we intentionally invite Him into our gatherings and our lives, we open ourselves to His movement and transformation. Prayer is the starting point for everything we hope to see God do among us, both individually and as a church body. [08:16]

- Devotion to the Word and Community Shapes Us
Acts 2:42-47 shows that the early church was marked by devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. These practices are not optional extras but the foundation of a healthy, growing faith. When we commit ourselves to these rhythms, we are shaped into a people who reflect Christ’s love and mission in the world. [47:07]

- Our Response Flows from Christ’s Love, Not Obligation
Obedience and service are not about earning God’s favor but responding to the love He has already shown us. Remembering Christ’s sacrifice—especially through communion—reminds us that everything we do is a response to His grace. This perspective frees us from striving and invites us into joyful, grateful living. [50:48]

- Discipleship Is a Lifelong Journey, Not a One-Time Event
It’s possible to make a decision for Christ and yet never grow beyond that moment. True discipleship means continually learning, growing, and being changed by Jesus. If there is no evidence of transformation, it’s worth examining whether we have truly encountered Him, and then taking steps to move forward in faith. [01:03:23]

- Following Jesus Is Simple, But Not Easy
Jesus’ call is straightforward: “Follow me.” We often complicate faith with tasks and expectations, but at its core, following Jesus means remembering what He has done and letting that shape our daily lives. The journey requires honesty, humility, and a willingness to take the next step, whatever that may be. [01:09:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:58] - Connecting and Prayer as Priority
[08:16] - Inviting God’s Presence Through Prayer
[09:51] - Praying for Each Other and the Church
[12:42] - Praying for Other Churches and Pastors
[43:49] - Preparing Our Hearts for Worship
[46:06] - Introduction to Acts and Church Vision
[47:07] - The Early Church’s Devotion
[48:16] - Defining Discipleship: Know, Walk, Obey
[49:32] - Centering on the Word of God
[50:48] - Living in Response to Christ’s Love
[52:24] - Unity and Generosity in the Church
[53:09] - Jesus Builds the Church, We Make Disciples
[54:42] - Practical Discipleship and Outreach
[56:25] - The Call to Commitment and Growth
[59:08] - Beyond a One-Time Decision
[01:03:23] - Examining Our Relationship with Christ
[01:07:06] - Walking with Christ Daily
[01:08:59] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[01:09:57] - The Simplicity of Following Jesus
[01:12:49] - Responding to God’s Word
[01:14:03] - Living in Response to God’s Love
[01:23:52] - Closing and Announcements

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

Acts 2:41-47 (ESV)
41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Acts 2:42, what four things did the early church devote themselves to?
2. What practical actions did the early believers take to care for each other’s needs, as described in verses 44-45?
3. In the sermon, what did the pastor say is the main reason for making prayer a priority at the start of each week? ([08:16])
4. How does the passage describe the attitude and atmosphere of the early church as they gathered together? ([47:07])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why might the early church have chosen to devote themselves so intentionally to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer? What does this reveal about their understanding of following Jesus? ([47:07])
2. The pastor emphasized that obedience and service are a response to Christ’s love, not a way to earn it. How does this perspective change the way someone might approach spiritual practices or church involvement? ([50:48])
3. The sermon warns against reducing faith to a one-time decision or ritual. What are some signs that someone’s faith is growing beyond that, according to the message? ([59:08])
4. The early church’s unity and generosity are highlighted in the passage. What might be the connection between remembering Christ’s sacrifice (like in communion) and living out unity and generosity? ([52:24])

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor said, “Prayer is not a formality but a declaration that we need God and want Him to do what only He can do.” How can you make prayer a more intentional and central part of your week? What would that look like for you personally or in your family? ([08:16])
2. Acts 2:42-47 describes a church that is deeply committed to community, generosity, and spiritual growth. Which of these areas do you feel most drawn to, and which do you find most challenging? Why?
3. The sermon challenged us to move beyond spiritual complacency and take the next step in following Jesus. What is one specific “next step” you sense God inviting you to take right now—whether it’s learning, serving, or being honest with God about your need for Him? ([59:08])
4. The message emphasized that everything we do should be a response to Christ’s love, not out of obligation. Can you think of a time when you served or obeyed God out of gratitude rather than duty? How did that feel different? ([50:48])
5. The early church was marked by unity and generosity. Is there someone in your life or in our church family who has a need you could help meet this week? What would it look like to respond generously? ([52:24])
6. The pastor said, “Following Jesus is simple, but not easy.” What are some ways you tend to complicate your faith? How can you return to the simple call to “follow me” this week? ([01:09:57])
7. Communion is described as a time to remember what Jesus has done and let that shape how we live. How might regularly remembering Christ’s sacrifice change your daily decisions or attitudes? ([01:08:59])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for one another, asking God to help each person take their next step in following Jesus and to shape your group into a community marked by prayer, devotion, unity, and generosity.

Devotional

Day 1: Devotion to the Apostles’ Teaching and Fellowship
The early church was marked by a deep devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This devotion was not a casual commitment but a steadfast, ongoing pursuit of knowing Jesus, walking with Him, and doing what He says. The believers gathered regularly, learned together, shared life, and supported one another, creating a community where everyone was encouraged to grow in faith. Their unity and generosity flowed from their shared love for Christ and their desire to respond to what He had done for them. [47:07]

Acts 2:41-47 (ESV)
So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can devote yourself more intentionally to Christian community this week—whether through joining a group, reaching out to someone, or sharing a meal with another believer?


Day 2: Living in Response to Christ’s Love
Everything we do as followers of Jesus should be a response to His great love for us, not an attempt to earn His favor. Christ loved us first, dying for us even before we knew Him, and our lives are meant to be lived as a grateful response to that love. When we truly grasp the depth of His sacrifice, our actions—serving, giving, worshiping—flow naturally from a heart that remembers what He has done. This perspective frees us from striving and invites us into joyful obedience rooted in gratitude. [51:45]

Romans 5:8 (ESV)
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Reflection: In what area of your life have you been trying to “earn” God’s love or approval, and how can you shift your mindset to act out of gratitude for what Jesus has already done?


Day 3: Jesus Builds His Church—We Make Disciples
Jesus Himself promised to build His church, and our role is to make disciples by helping others know Him, walk with Him, and obey Him. It’s easy to focus inward and forget those outside the church who need to encounter Christ, but we are called to reach out, share the gospel, and invite others into the journey of following Jesus. Our responsibility is not to grow the church by our own strength, but to faithfully make disciples and trust Jesus to do the building. [53:09]

Matthew 16:18 (ESV)
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Reflection: Who is one person outside your usual circle that you can intentionally reach out to this week, inviting them to take a step closer to Jesus?


Day 4: Remembering Christ Through Communion
Communion is a powerful act of remembering what Jesus has done for us—His body broken and His blood shed for our salvation. As we take the bread and the cup, we proclaim His death and resurrection, examining our hearts and responding to His love. This remembrance is not just a ritual, but a moment to realign our lives, confess our need, and renew our commitment to live in response to His sacrifice. [01:12:00]

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV)
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Reflection: As you remember Christ’s sacrifice, what is one area of your life you need to surrender or realign in response to His love today?


Day 5: Growing as Disciples—Taking the Next Step
Following Jesus is not a one-time decision but a lifelong journey of growth, change, and deeper surrender. It’s possible to start with little knowledge or understanding, but true faith leads to a desire to grow, to be discipled, and to help others do the same. No matter where you are today, you are invited to take your next step—whether it’s learning, serving, giving, or simply asking Jesus to show you where you stand with Him. The call is to move forward, not to stay where you are, and to let your life be changed by the love and grace of Christ. [01:05:18]

Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one specific next step you sense God calling you to take in your walk with Him this week, and how will you act on it?

Quotes

God loves to go where He is invited. Anybody ever notice that about your own house? And anywhere you invite Him, He's going to show up. So we're going to start our services each week by making sure we surrender everything we have and invite Him to be a part of the process. Because here's the thing. You can come here every Sunday. We can have a good time. We can even eat together, bring some donuts in, whatever. But if God doesn't show up, we're wasting our time. [00:09:05] (25 seconds)  #InviteGodToLead Edit Clip

There are some things in this passage that, in the next few weeks, will become the core values of what we're doing as a church. It says they were committed to the apostles' teaching. They're committed to the Word of God. And I want you to hear that and understand that this morning, that as we begin to prepare for studying Acts and what that looks like, I will say to you that sometimes in the past, what happens is I, as a pastor or some other pastor you have been listening to, you may come in one day, and they have such an incredible illustration that the illustration becomes their main point, and then they use some Scripture to go along with that illustration. You ever heard anybody do that? You can say, yes, I've done it. Like, I have had those illustrations where you're like, that illustration is so solid, I'm just going to find some Scripture and back that up. I'm telling you that that can happen. But here's what I'm telling you moving forward is the Word of God is going to be the point of our message. Because it has to be. [00:49:21] (60 seconds)  #WordFirstAlways Edit Clip

Everything that we do for Christ should be in response to what Christ has done for us. If you leave today and you feel really tired and busy already and you feel like, man, I got to go home and do a bunch of stuff so Jesus will love me, you have missed it. I do believe there are things that we are supposed to go home and do today because Jesus loves us. [00:51:26] (24 seconds)  #ResponseToGrace Edit Clip

They were committed to prayer. As we started with that today, we're going to continue with that today. In the next three weeks, I will be figuring out and introducing to you an evening of the week that we're going to come together to pray. And we don't know exactly when that is yet, but we will find that out and we will begin to pray on a weeknight because we are going to be committed to prayer. [00:52:12] (20 seconds)  #CommittedToPrayer Edit Clip

Jesus says to us, it is his responsibility to build the church. Anybody ever known that? You've been told that? Like, it is our responsibility to make disciples. That means it's our responsibility to go to someone. [00:53:53] (18 seconds)  #OurMissionToGo Edit Clip

Many of us have been raised in the culture where if you will just pray the prayer and give your life to Jesus, then you don't ever have to do anything else, and you're off the hook, and you're good to go. That was the mindset years ago for some of you when you just told me, if you'll come down the aisle, you'll shake the pastor's hand, you'll pray that prayer, you go back, you don't have to do anything, man. You're good. You're good. But what that leads us to is churches filled with people that are really confused about their relationship with Jesus Christ. [00:57:48] (35 seconds)  #BeyondThePrayer Edit Clip

What we need to commit to is the fact that this, today, where you sit today, how you look today, how you look like Christ, what you do for Him. Today, we are going to commit that where we are is not where we want to stay. Anybody with me? Like, I don't know where I am, but I know I want to move towards Christ tomorrow. [01:03:47] (20 seconds)  #ComeAsYouAre Edit Clip

It's time to know Him, walk with Him, and do what He says. So what we're not going to do is be a people that says, hey, let's just come here and worship and have a good time, and let's just celebrate a little bit and enjoy each other's company and go on home. No, those days are gone. What we're going to do is we're going to help each other follow Jesus. And when you help someone follow Jesus, you help them become a disciple. [01:04:59] (26 seconds)  #GrowTogetherInFaith Edit Clip

You're the only one in this room. You and God are the only people that know where your relationship with Christ is. We can look at you. We can, man, that guy's great. That girl's awesome. Obviously. But the truth is, you're the only one that knows. But I can promise you this. You open up the Word and begin to dive in, and God will make very clear to you where you stand. And He will help you become the disciple that you are called to become. [01:06:43] (27 seconds)  #GraceNotWorks Edit Clip

We should be walking with Christ because of what He's done for us, not because of what we are doing for Him. Because let me tell you, the best thing you're going to do for Him today is about nothing compared to what He's done for you. That's a technical term, nothing. But you know what? We do it because of who God is, because of how much He loves us and what He gave for us. [01:07:52] (28 seconds)  #WorshipWithPurpose Edit Clip