New Normal | Week 4
Big Idea: Change always begins with doing something different than you did in the past.
Getting Started
What is one positive impact that believers or the church have made on your life?
Are “Christians” known for making a positive impact on the world?
From the message this week, how did the early church show the world the difference Jesus made?
*Leaders Notes for reference
In the Roman Empire, right after the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection, two massive pandemics hit them.
The first was the Antonine Plague in 165 A.D.
Most historians would say it was the first worldwide outbreak of smallpox with no vaccine, and no way of fighting it.
The second happens a little later called, the Cyprian plague in 249 A.D.
And they believe that the Cyprian plague, which ends up being a little bit worse, is potentially the first outbreak of measles or even Ebola.
There is no vaccine.
There is no hospital system to help.
It just spreads like crazy.
The Cyprian plague -five thousand people a day died in Rome - repeatedly.
This plague wipes out 1/4 of the Roman Empire.
In fact, we know from history that when a plague hit, even the first few physicians they had ran out of the city.
The Turning Point
Christians stepped up with a level of love and generosity the world had never seen before.
During these two pandemics, it was followers of Jesus that led the way to show the world generosity.
This is documented by secular historians; history shows the generosity of Christians during pandemics led people to take notice of Jesus.
4. How would you describe a generous person?
Read John 13:34- Jesus said,
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
5. What are the characteristics of Jesus’ love for us?
Read Act 4:32-35
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. 34 There were no needy people among them because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
6. How does this description of the first church differ from what the world thinks about Christians today?
7. How do these descriptions challenge what you believe we should do as believers?
8. Faith sees best in the dark. Don’t blame the dark for being dark. Instead, let your light shine in the dark.
Next Step: Be the Difference
What is one action you can take this week to show Jesus’ kind of love and sacrifice to others?
Pray that God would give you His heart of generosity and genuine love towards others, then hold on and be amazed at the difference He will make in others' lives through you.