Week of 1/4/26: Created and Called
SUMMARY
Formation Theme: Be the Church - Created and CalledWeekly Theme: Be the Church - Created and Called
Sermon Text: Acts 1 : 1 – 11
Primary Reading: Acts 1 – 4
Secondary Reading: Genesis 1 – 9
Memory Verses (Through January 24th): 1 Peter 1:3-5 (ESV)
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
[4] to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
[5] who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 | Theme Reflection - “Created and Called”
Before the Church moves, it waits. Before Adam works, he receives breath.
Creation and commission share a single rhythm: God acts first.
To Be the Church — Created and Called is to remember that identity precedes activity. We are the beloved of God, shaped by His Word, filled by His Spirit and sent into His world - creatures of grace before ministers of action.
Before the Church moves, it waits. Before Adam works, he receives breath.
Creation and commission share a single rhythm: God acts first.
In Genesis 1–2, the Spirit hovers over unformed waters; in Acts 1–2, the same Spirit hovers over a waiting people. God breathes life again - first into dust, then into disciples. The pattern never changes: God creates, blesses and then sends.
To Be the Church — Created and Called is to remember that identity precedes activity. We are the beloved of God, shaped by His Word, filled by His Spirit and sent into His world - creatures of grace before ministers of action.
2 | Daily Reading Rhythm
3 | Practice of the Week - Breath Prayer
Before activity, practice presence.
Each morning, pause to breathe deeply.
Allow this breath prayer to serve as a template for prayer as the Spirit leads. You can literally repeat the words if that helps your mind stay focused, or use the words as a theme for praying to the Father, through the Son by the Spirit.
Before activity, practice presence.
Each morning, pause to breathe deeply.
- Inhale: “You created me.”
- Exhale: “You have called me.”
4 | Doctrinal Focus - The Doctrine of Creation
God is the Maker of heaven and earth - distinct from creation yet delighting to dwell within it. Humanity bears His image (imago Dei), endowed with dignity and purpose.
Creation’s goodness is not a past event but a continuing witness: every breath declares His sustaining Word.
When we confess, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,” we renounce self-sufficiency and affirm dependence. We exist because He wills it and we are called because He loves.
5 | Missional Focus - Witness Begins in Prayer
Before the disciples were sent, they prayed.
Mission begins in communion with God, then movement toward people.
Identify someone in your life who does not yet know Christ - perhaps a neighbor, coworker, or friend.
Pray daily for them by name, asking the Spirit to open doors for genuine conversation about Jesus and to make your witness gentle, joyful and true.
6 | Community Group Discussion Questions
From the Readings
Use these simple prompts during family time, bedtime or mealtime to reinforce the week’s truths in age-appropriate language.
From the Readings
- How does God’s creative Word in Genesis 1 mirror the Spirit’s empowering Word in Acts 2?
- What similarities do you see between Noah’s preservation and the early Church’s perseverance?
- What stands out about Jesus’ command to wait before witnessing?
- Where do you sense God asking you to depend on His power instead of your plan?
- In what ways have you recently confused doing for being?
- What helps you rest in your identity as God’s beloved creation?
- How can our group help one another live as those created and called in daily routines—work, family and friendship?
Use these simple prompts during family time, bedtime or mealtime to reinforce the week’s truths in age-appropriate language.
- Who made everything in the world - including you?
- Why did God make people? (Hint: To love Him and show His goodness.)
- What does it mean that God called us? Who does He call us to be like?
- How can we remember this week that God made us and loves us?
- Can you think of a way to show God’s love to someone at school or at home?
7 | Closing Prayer
Creator God, You spoke light into darkness and formed us from dust.
Spirit of Christ, You breathe new life into Your waiting Church.
Teach us to live from Your design, not our striving.
Let our work be worship and our words speak of Your goodness.
Send us out as those created and called for Your glory.
Amen.