Series: The Mvmnt 
Message: A Holy Jesus Community
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira 
Reflection: Alex Bryan
Live Wonder: Zan Long 
Live Adventure: Zan Long 
Live Purpose: Jessyka Albert 
Editor: Becky De Oliveira

Refresh: Begin today in prayer. Ask God for understanding through the Holy Spirit and for God’s character to be revealed.

Read: Acts 4:32–5:16 in the New Living Translation (NLT). Note 1–3 insights or questions.

Reflect: Focus on Acts 4:32–35. What fundamental belief set Christianity in motion? Was it belief in the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus? The powerful miracles performed by Jesus? His one-of-a-kind moral teaching? His description of God as a loving Father? The suffering of Christ? Perhaps it was His cruel death on a Roman cross?

While all of these are important, it is likely (and almost certain) that there would be no Christian movement at all if not for the belief in one particular event. The burial of Jesus had also buried the hopes of His followers, the disciples. Like so many other false “messiahs” who met their demise at the strong and violent hand of the Roman Empire, it seemed the three-year campaign of Jesus would merely be a (minor) footnote in Judean history.

But then something happened: the grave was reported empty and Jesus was said to be alive again. He was seen and touched by many witnesses. Hundreds of eyewitness testified that they had seen Him—and He appeared on multiple occasions. This changed everything. The resurrection of Jesus Christ ignited the new church.

The resurrection was preached by the apostles and a resurrection community was built. Belief that death did not have the last word arose; a conviction that Jesus was the “first” of those who would rise from the dead emerged. An eschatology of hope infused the young congregation. And what did this life-over-death doctrine produce? A war against poverty; a campaign against want! The most natural activity for those who claimed resurrection was helping people in the throws of death (poverty) experience new life (food).

Good Adventism is always about daily resurrections—bringing people to life.

Recalibrate: What are some resurrections (areas that need to be brought to life) you need this week?

Respond: Pray for Jesus to give you joy in His life and resurrection.

Research: Look up what other religions believe about Jesus’ resurrection and compare and contrast these beliefs to what the Bible says and what you believe.

Recharge: Wonder/Adventure/Purpose

Holding tight is what we do when we are afraid. We hold tightly onto Daddy’s hand when we are scared and Mommy holds our hands tightly when we are crossing the road. When we know we are safe, wrapped in love, we can let go and enjoy our day. Hold your child’s hand today and know that love conquers fear. God loves our babies more than we can possibly imagine and He holds them in His heart.

When Jesus was here He showed everyone what it was like to live a life loving people. He shared His food, His friends, and His life with people who no one else would share with. How can we share Jesus without using any words, at home, in the playground, or on the bus? 

At the time when Acts was written, land meant power. The more land you owned, the more powerful you were. Barnabas sold his field and gave the money to the apostles to help others. In other words, Barnabas saw the needs of others as more important than power. What’s something that makes you feel powerful? How important is that thing that makes you feel powerful? What would you be willing to give up to help others?