This year long study will take us on a Bible study adventure using the book of Acts as our map. Not only will we be studying the remarkable story of the book of Acts, but we will also be learning about the people, congregations, subjects, themes, doctrines, and challenges that this great book introduces.
We want to challenge our Main Street family not only in our lessons and classes, but also in day to day life. We have made goals for 2015 that are simple and attainable, yet we believe they can truly help our congregation grow in the new year.
To summarize our goals, and to help you remember them, we are using the acronym A.C.T.S.
- A - Attend every service. The early Christians gained strength from their weekly worship and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24,25).
- C - Commit to daily devotions. The early church was devoted to "searching the scriptures daily" (Acts 17:11), and to prayer (Acts 2:42; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). This year we will provide you with the tools to successfully study every day, but you must commit to it.
- T - Tell people about Jesus. Every member of the early church had a part in evangelism. They "went everywhere preaching the word" (Acts 8:4) and God gave the increase (Acts 2:47).
- S - Serve at every opportunity. The first century church was motivated by the love of Christ. They sought out ways to help one another (Acts 2:44-45) and help others (James 1:27).
One of the main emphasis found in the book of Acts is that of Bible Study. As the church went everywhere preaching the Word they reasoned from the scriptures. The Bereans are described as being “more noble” because they “searched the scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). In 2015 we want to help the church on Main Street to excel in the faith. We feel we to accomplish this goal we must be daily students of the Word.
Starting on January 1, 2015 we will be sending out a weekly devotional newsletter via email, entitled “The Message on Main Street”. After the first week it will be sent out every Monday and it will include a bible reading plan, devotional thoughts from the readings, and links to good articles for each day. This is just another tool to help us in our daily devotions each week in the New Year.
Sign up to receive it and more at: http://www.mainstcoc.org/signup.html
I am excited about what this New Year can hold for this congregation and hope that you are too! If you have any question feel free to come to me.
- Josh