This Is Church!

This past Sunday (November 8^th) was our first official day at Carrollwood Baptist Church. We once again sensed the warmth and love of the fellowship that we now call home. It was a day that we knew would be filled with many emotions, but we are so blessed to be serving here and look forward to some great days ahead. I mentioned to the congregation that we had come to serve them, but instead, they have been serving us. What a beautiful expression of The Body of Christ!

This past Sunday I began a new sermon series that I’m calling, “This Is Church!” I can think of no better way to start off a ministry than to explore who we are as followers of Christ and what the Lord is doing in and through His church, the Body of Christ. My text was Acts 2:36-41. You can listen to the sermon online at carrollwoodbaptist.org. You can also use the following questions to reflect on as a way to deepen your understanding and application of the text:

1. What was the central message that Peter preached that caused the people to come under conviction, to be “cut to the heart” (2:37; see, 2:14-ff.)? What is the connection between the Word of God and people having faith in Christ?

2. What response did Peter call for when the people asked, “What shall we do?” (2:37)?

3. What is the relationship between repentance and baptism (2:38)? What does baptism signify?

4. What occurs when people genuinely turn to God in Christ (2:38, 41)? What is the result of repentance?

5. What is the significance of Peter stating that “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off” (2:39a; see, Matt. 27:25)?

6. How do people often respond to guilt, grief, and regrets? Why do people have such a difficult time believing that God’s grace is for them too? Is there something that is causing you to feel far away from God? Have you allowed God’s grace to impact your life, to heal your hurts, to wash away your guilt? 

For His Glory, By His Grace!

Pastor Joe