A Bridge to the Future
November 17, 2024
According to most surveys, the church in America is experiencing a rapid decline in attendance and membership. A record number of church closures have caused some to question the church's long-term viability. When Jesus inaugurated the church, He said the “gates of hell would not prevail against it,” but what about the effects of apathy and distraction? Join us for part 5 of Bridge the Gap, where we will see how a bridge to the future requires the church to be built on the solid foundation of Jesus and His compelling vision for the future.
Passage
Matthew 16:16-20 & Acts 2:42-47
Principle
Building a bridge to the future requires a ##firm## ##foundation##, ##personal## ##sacrifice##, and a ##compelling## ##vision##.
Practice
Ask God to ##reveal## how He would have you ##participate## in the Bridge Initiative.
- My Prayer Commitment to the Bridge Initiative is:
[What will you do to prioritize praying for Aspire to bridge the gap]
- My Financial Commitment to the Bridge Initiative is:
[What is your next step on the generosity pathway?]
- My Service Commitment to the Bridge Initiative is:
[Check out the Aspire to Serve and Aspire to Go cards]
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
When have you seen the Church (this one or any other) at its best? What do you think makes a church successful? How do you think God measures the success of a church? Today, we will study the Church in Antioch (Acts 11 & 13) to learn six characteristics of a church that changed the world.
HEAR
A Church that Changes the World is a Church that is For the City.
- Read Acts 11:19 & Jeremiah 29:4-7. What caused Christians to scatter? Why were the Jews in Jeremiah 29 in Babylon? How did God use persecution to accomplish His will and build His Church?
- Why are cities significant for accomplishing the Great Commission? Why do you think many churches flee or fail in American cities today?
A Church that Changes the World is a Church that Reflects Heaven on Earth.
- Read Acts 11:20-22, Acts 13:1, and Revelation 7:9-10. How do you see Revelation 7:9-10 in Acts 11:20-22 and 13:1?
- What makes a multi-ethnic, multi-racial church appealing? What makes it challenging? How should the Gospel help us overcome those challenges?
A Church that Changes the World is a Church that Makes Disciples and Equips Those Who Do.
- Read Acts 11:23-26. Why did Barnabas look for Saul? What made this an important decision for the future of the Church?
- What does “disciples are handcrafted and not mass produced” mean? Does this describe your discipleship and disciple-making?
A Church that Changes the World is a Praying, Spirit-led Church.
- Read Acts 11:27-28. Do you believe God still has a role for prophets in His Church today? Why or why not?
- When have you seen or experienced God’s Spirit at work through a local church? What role did prayer play in that experience?
A Church that Changes the World is Generous.
- Read Acts 11:29-30. What motivated the church’s generosity? What does “every one according to his ability” mean?
- Why is generosity an indispensable part of communicating the Gospel?
A Church that Changes the World is a Church that Measures its Success by its Sending Capacity.
- Read Acts 13:2-3. What was the church doing when the Holy Spirit called them to send Paul and Barnabas? What did the church do after the Holy Spirit revealed this to them, and why?
- What role does worship play in the mission of the church today? How would you describe Aspire’s sending capacity?
HUDDLE
How has God been speaking to you through the Bridge Initiative? How is it affecting your prayer life? What has He said about your financial investment? What can you do now to help Aspire Bridge the Gap? Talk about it, invite accountability, and pray together.
Reading Plan + Prayer Guide
Monday
Acts 1
Thank God for giving us His Holy Spirit. Ask Him to show you how to trust and rely on His Spirit today as you seek to be His witness.
Tuesday
Acts 2
Ask God to fill you with the boldness to share the good news of the Gospel with people far from God. Ask Him to fill our church with His Spirit that will embolden every member to live on mission.
Wednesday
Acts 3
Ask God to perform signs and wonders among His people to embolden and encourage the church and our community to trust Him.
Thursday
Acts 4
Ask God to protect His church from outside attacks and the fear and apathy such attacks might produce. Pray for the church to be wise, bold, and full of grace in every interaction with the community, never compromising the message of the Gospel by word or deed.
Friday
Acts 5-6
Ask God to reveal how He would have you support the Bridge Initiative. Thank Him for always providing for His Church and the mission He gave it. Pray for an outpouring of generosity of time, talent, and treasure from among the members of Aspire Church.