June 2026
IN THIS LESSON - June 7, 2026
When the world is uncertain, confused, and searching for solid ground, the church is called to be something the world cannot manufacture on its own — a community of truth, grace, shared life, and unshakeable hope. In this lesson, we return to the blueprint of Acts 2:42–47 and study the early church not merely as a historical model but as a living challenge to the way we do church today — devoted to the apostles’ teaching, committed to fellowship, faithful in prayer, and generous to the point that no one among them lacked anything. We examine Hebrews 10:24–25's urgent call to keep meeting together and to intentionally stir one another toward love and good works, especially as the Day of the Lord draws nearer. Drawing from the church's powerful role during the Great Depression, we see what a Spirit-filled, community-centered body of believers can accomplish even when the world is falling apart around them. This lesson challenges you to stop being a spectator and become an invested, active, contributing member of the body of Christ — because the church was never meant to be something you attend, but something you are.
Facilitated By: Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Presented At: Schrader Lane Church of Christ, 1234 Schrader Lane, Nashville, TN 3720
Adult Sunday School 8:15 a.m. (CST) in Room #315
Understanding the Times
A Biblical Perspective · Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
BARRY’S BUREAU
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Lesson
10
The Role of the Church in Understanding the Times
Scriptural Focus
Acts 2:42–47
“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Supporting Scriptures
Hebrews 10:24–25 · 2 Timothy 3:16–17 · Galatians 6:2
Theme
The early church didn't just survive its times — it transformed them through devoted community, prayer, sound doctrine, and radical generosity that made the world take notice.
Key Teaching Points
▸Devoted to teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer
▸They shared all things so that none among them lacked
▸Encourage one another — especially as the Day draws near
▸The church is a lighthouse: light, guidance, and refuge
This Week’s Application
Take one concrete step to deepen your involvement in your local church community this week.
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from the First Edition 2025
Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau
📖 Word Search
Lesson 10 — The Role of the Church in Understanding the Times
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” — Acts 2:42
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You found all 10 words from The Role of the Church in Understanding the Times! Every word points to a deeper truth — keep exploring God’s Word.
"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together... encouraging one another." — Hebrews 10:24-25
May these key truths guide your walk with God this week and beyond.
Multiple-Choice Q&A
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Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau
Lesson 10: The Role of the Church in Understanding the Times
Scriptural Focus: Acts 2:42–47
“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
— Acts 2:42
Question 1 of 7
Question 1 of 7Acts 2:42 identifies four specific commitments that characterized the early church. Which of the following is the correct list?
Question 2 of 7What does Acts 2:44–45 reveal about the economic practice of the early church that set it apart?
Question 3 of 7What does Hebrews 10:24–25 specifically command believers to do, particularly as the Day approaches?
Question 4 of 7The lesson draws a parallel between the early church's role and a lighthouse. What does this metaphor emphasize about the church's calling?
Question 5 of 7The historical example of the Great Depression in this lesson demonstrates what about the church's role in difficult times?
Question 6 of 72 Timothy 3:16–17 is referenced in this lesson to emphasize the church's responsibility regarding what?
Question 7 of 7Jacob, in this lesson's short story, experiences transformation through his church community. What does his story specifically illustrate about the church's role?
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Understanding the Times — Lesson 10
“The Role of the Church in Understanding the Times”
Facilitated by Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Schrader Lane Church of Christ, Nashville, TN
Understanding the Times — Lesson 10
“The Role of the Church in Understanding the Times”
Facilitated by Barry G. Johnson, Sr.
Schrader Lane Church of Christ, Nashville, TN
Study Game - Word Scramble
8 church pillars and practices — scrambled and clued
Fun learning leads to better understanding
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Understanding the Times · Barry’s Bureau · Word Scramble
Lesson 10: The Role of the Church in Understanding the Times
Scriptural Focus: Acts 2:42–47📽 Word Scramble: Each scrambled word is a key term from Lesson 10 on the Church. Use the clue to help you unscramble it!
Solved: 0 / 8
The shared community life of the early church (Acts 2:42)
The wholehearted commitment of early believers to God and each other
They shared all things so that none among them lacked anything
One of the four foundational pillars of the Acts 2 church
Sound biblical teaching that centers and anchors church life
Stirring one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24)
The oneness that characterized the Jerusalem church
The reverent response of the gathered people of God
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Well Done!
You completed this study game. Every truth you’ve reviewed is a seed God can use to deepen your walk with Him.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” — Acts 2:42