Summary
In this inaugural message of Presence Church, Pastor Chris shares the vision and values of this new spiritual community. He emphasizes that the church was founded on prayer and a clear calling from God. The sermon focuses on the early church model found in Acts 2:42-47, highlighting four key commitments: devotion to apostles' teaching, fellowship (deep meaningful friendships), sharing meals together, and prayer. Pastor Chris contrasts the common misconception of Christianity as a list of rules with Jesus' emphasis on love and relationship. He stresses that salvation comes through grace, not through checking boxes or performance, and that God cares more about our hearts than our perfection.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts as we begin this discussion. Thank you for the gift of community and for bringing each person here today. As we explore the foundations of authentic spiritual community, we ask that Your Holy Spirit would guide our conversation. Open our hearts to hear what You want to teach us, not just about church, but about Your desire for relationship with us. Help us to set aside our preconceptions and truly listen to one another and to You. In Jesus' name, amen.
Ice Breaker
If you could have dinner with any person from history, who would you choose and what would you want to ask them?
Key Verses
Acts 2:42-47
Matthew 22:37-39
Romans 7:15-25
Romans 8:1-2
Questions
Presence Church began with prayer walks and regular 7am Saturday prayer meetings. How has prayer played a role in your own spiritual journey?
The early church in Acts 2 devoted themselves to four key practices. Which of these (apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking bread together, or prayer) comes most naturally to you, and which is most challenging?
How do you respond to the idea that Christianity is often perceived as a list of rules rather than a relationship? Have you ever struggled with this perspective?
God cares much less about your performance than he does your heart. How might this truth change how you approach your relationship with God?
What does authentic Christian community look like to you? What barriers might prevent people from experiencing this kind of community?
Romans 8:1 says "There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." How does this truth impact how we should treat ourselves and others in the church?
The sermon emphasized that we can't earn God's love through a checklist. How might this understanding change how we invite others to know Jesus?
What is one area where you feel God might be inviting you to experience more freedom in your relationship with Him rather than focusing on performance?
Life Application
This week, identify one area where you've been trying to earn God's approval through performance or checking boxes. Write it down, then spend time in prayer surrendering that area to God. Ask Him to help you receive His unconditional love and grace instead. Then, reach out to someone in your life and have an authentic conversation where you share something you're genuinely struggling with. Practice being real rather than presenting a perfect image, and notice how this might deepen your relationships both with others and with God.
Key Takeaways
True discipleship is about following Jesus and helping others do the same, not about following rules or checking boxes.
The early church model in Acts 2 shows us four essential commitments: devotion to teaching, fellowship, sharing meals, and prayer.
God cares more about our hearts and relationship with Him than our performance or perfection.
There is no condemnation for those in Christ - we are freed from the power of sin through the Holy Spirit, not through our own efforts.
Authentic spiritual community requires vulnerability and creating safe spaces where people can be honest about their struggles.
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the reminder that You desire relationship over religion, and that Your arms are always open wide to receive us just as we are. We confess the times we've tried to earn Your love through performance or reduced our faith to a checklist. Thank You that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Help us to build authentic spiritual communities where people can experience Your grace and truth. Give us courage to be vulnerable with one another and to create spaces where others can encounter Your love. May we be a church that reflects the beauty of Acts 2 - devoted to Your teaching, committed to deep fellowship, breaking bread together, and persistent in prayer. Use us to show others that You care more about our hearts than our performance. In Your name we pray, amen.
