Shepherd of the Valley Messages

Early Church: On the Other Side of Scarcity

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Opening:

  • If someone handed you $100 and said, ‘Use this to bless someone in a fun or unexpected way,’ what would you do?

    • S – Scripture

    Read Acts 2:42–47, Acts 4:32–37, and 1 Peter 4:8-10 aloud as a group.

    O – Observation

    • What stands out to you about how the early church lived and gave?
    • How would you describe the attitude of the early believers toward their possessions?
    • What words or phrases show us that the resurrection changed not just their beliefs, but their lifestyle?

      • A – Application

      • Freedom from Consumerism:
        • What’s one way the culture’s “consumerism” mindset pulls at your life? How could resurrection reshape that?
      • Whole-Life Stewardship:
        • Which area do you find easiest to give: time, talent, or treasure? Which one challenges you the most?
      • Planned Generosity:
        • Shepherd teaches “Plan, percentage, progress.” Do you have a giving plan? What would it look like to take a next step in one of those areas?
      • Witness through Community:
        • How might your small group or family reflect the Acts 2 community more deeply? (e.g., meeting needs, sharing meals, caring for each other)

        P – Prayer

        Close by praying together:

        • Thank God for His sacrificial generosity to us through Jesus.
        • Ask for the courage to live open-handed and others-focused.
        • Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your group toward creative ways to be generous in your homes, church, and community this week.

          • Optional: Ask if anyone in the group has a tangible need the others could help meet—this can be a powerful moment of Acts-style community care.

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          Shepherd of the Valley MessagesBy Shepherd of the Valley
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