May 8 & 9, 2021 “Women, and the ” Rev. Rufus Smith (Senior Pastor)

Then they returned to from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went up to the upstairs room where they were staying, that is, Peter, John, James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of , , and Judas the son of James. All these were continually devoting themselves with one mind to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. :12-14 (New American Standard ) Jesus’ new entity called the church: 1. Propelled the status of women from lower to HIGHER. All these were continually devoting themselves with one mind to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. Acts 1:14 (NASB) 2. These women first PRESENTED the news of the resurrection to the men. He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in , saying that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise from the dead…Now these women were , Joanna, and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles. But these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe the women. :6-7,10-11 (NASB) 3. These women PRIORITIZED family to its rightful place, second only to Jesus. 4. These women PARLAYED their achievements and life experiences to promote the . Soon afterward, Jesus began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and , and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means. :1-3 (NASB) 5. These women proved their love for Jesus via FINANCIAL contributions. …and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means. Luke 8:3 (NASB) This week’s announcements… COMMUNION • The act of taking communion is remembering what Jesus did for all of us on the cross. Join us next weekend, May 15 & 16, as we celebrate the Hope given to us with a time of prayer and communion. TREASURED VBS • Hope 4 Kids invites your 4 year olds—5th graders to Treasured VBS, July 19-23. Kids will discover God’s greatest treasure isn’t diamonds, gems, or gold – it’s them through memorable Bible-learning activities, catchy songs, teamwork-building games, yummy treats and experiencing a one-of-a-kind Bible Adventure! Plus, kids will learn to look for evidence of God all around them through something called “God Sightings.” Visit HopeChurchMemphis.com/Kids for kid and volunteer registration. FOUR DAYS STRAIGHT • May 28-31, our Student Ministry invites all students entering grades 6-12 to their BIG summer kick-off event with four nights of nonstop fun, friends, games, memories, laughs, food and so much more! AND, the best part about 4DS, it’s all FREE! View all the activities, and register today, at HopeChurchMemphis.com/4DS. WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL • Our varied curriculum provides many different kinds of experiences for your child in order to promote physical, social, emotional, cognitive and spiritual development. We offer plenty of time for your child to try new things and learn at his or her own pace. Learn more about our Weekday Preschool program online at HopeChurchMemphis.com/Preschool or call 901-844-HOPE. GREEN CHAIR CONVERSATIONS • You’re invited to join Pastor Jessica every Thursday at 8:00 am for Green Chair Conversations featuring open, transparent and encouraging conversations with guests from a variety of backgrounds both in our community and beyond. GCC is available on Facebook, YouTube, HopeChurchMemphis.com and wherever you get your podcasts. H4K@HOME • Our H4K@Home programming is THE PLACE for kids to connect, grow and learn more about faith through an encouraging, engaging and fun online program. H4K@Home streams new episodes every Sunday, at 9:00 am on Facebook, YouTube and HopeChurchMemphis.com/Media. Learn more about Hope 4 Kids online at HopeChurchMemphis.com/Kids or contact Hope 4 Kids’ Pastor, Chad Johnson ([email protected]).

Today’s Worship Songs: Glorious Day | God So Loved | Great Are You Lord | What A Beautiful Name

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Hope's mission is to engage our un-churched neighbors of every age and ethnicity to experience Jesus.

8500 Walnut Grove Road • Memphis, TN 38018 • HopeChurchMemphis.com • 901-755-7721 STUDY GUIDE May 8 & 9, 2021 “Women, Jesus and the Church” Rev. Rufus Smith • Senior Pastor

Please use this Study Guide for personal study or with a Small Group. If you are using the Sermon Study Guide on a regular basis, please share feedback with Matt.Tubinis@ HopeChurchMemphis.com. GET TO KNOW YOUR GROUP: What is your favorite memory with your mom (or motherly figure)? What is your favorite memory with each of your grandmothers? If you are able, share that memory with them today! INITIAL THOUGHTS: This weekend, Rev. Rufus Smith preached “Women, Jesus, and the Church.” After hearing the sermon, what was your main takeaway? THE BIG QUESTIONS THIS WEEK: What was the impact of women in the early Church? What has been the impact of women in the Church today?

SERMON BASED DISCUSSIONS KEY PASSAGE AND CONTEXT: Pastor Rufus’ key text was Acts 1:12-14. He also taught from several passages out of the Book of Luke. ‘Luke the Evangelist’ wrote both the Book of Acts and the Book of Luke, so the passages referenced today are part of the same narrative. Craig S. Keener comments, “Luke often balances genders in his narrative where his information allows. The women, in general, hark back to the Gospel (Luke 8:2-3), especially to the passion and resurrection narratives (23:49,55; 24:5,10), providing a line of continuity and also an example of consistent faithfulness not found with the male apostles. The mention of Mary in particular, connects the beginning of Luke’s second volume (Acts) with the beginning of his first (:27).” SOURCE: Acts: An Exegetical Commentary: Introduction and 1:1-2:47 by Craig S. Keener. PROPELLED: Jesus PROPELLED the status of women from lower to HIGHER. Read Acts 1:14. Jesus included women in a culture where they were often excluded. ‘Luke the Evangelist’ is especially known for pointing this out throughout his Gospel and Acts. How have you seen Spirit-filled Gospel- powered women rise to the occasion in our church? Share an example of Jesus’ propelling the status of women in the . PRESENTED: The women first PRESENTED the news of the resurrection to the men. Read Luke 24:1-12 (esp. v.6-11) (often titled, “The Resurrection”). The women were first on the scene at the (“at early dawn,” v.1). Though they did not see Him right away, they did receive a special message from two (v.4-6), “He is not here, but has risen…(don’t you remember when He said that He would)...be crucified and on the third day rise?” They shared this message with the (male) disciples who “did not believe them (v.11).” Peter was curious enough to rush to the to find that they were telling the truth. Take a moment to share about some of the women who impactfully presented Gospel truth in your life. What -inspired legacy did they leave? What teachings still stick with you today? PRIORITIZED: The women PRIORITIZED family to its rightful place: second only to Jesus. Read Matthew 6:33. Pastor Rufus preached on the “deification” of family (which is idolatry). What is an example of putting family above God on your life priority list? Share a few thoughts on the daily managing of a Christian home. What are some checkpoints you can put in your life to ensure your priorities are in order? PARLAYED: The women PARLAYED (compiled, multiplied, doubled-down) their achievements and life experiences to promote the Gospel. Read Luke 8:1- 3 (often titled, “Women Accompanying Jesus”). What were “the twelve” and “the women” doing on this trip (v.1)? Jesus is traveling with a group of called, redeemed, and healed people who are on a mission. What is one thing every Christian must give up in order to follow Jesus? Share a time you parlayed your resources to spread the Good News. PROVED: The women PROVED their love for Jesus via FINANCIAL contributions. We just read Luke 8:1-3. The twelve and the women were “providing for them (Him) out of their means.” They were personally funding and supporting the mission of “bringing the good news of the kingdom of God (v.1).” When you think about giving your money and resources to help the mission of the church, do you feel (1) hesitant or (2) conviction? Share your thoughts.

FURTHER STUDY WHEN ENGAGING OUR UNCHURCHED NEIGHBORS: Women in the American culture at large and women in the church—what are the perceived similarities and differences? How would an unchurched family member respond to this sermon? MEMORY VERSE: Luke 24:10-12a, “Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other _____ with them who told these things to the ______, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not ______them. But Peter rose and ___ to the tomb;” (women, apostles, believe, ran)

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