Acts 9:1-22
Verse to Memorize: Acts 9:15
-Tell your group a story of when God did something drastic or unordinary to get your attention. Did it work?
-God has revealed a certain portion of our calling/life/purpose to us already. Do you think you have be obedient to small revealed portion? Are you going to wait until God gives you more details before you are going to take the first step?
-Be honest with yourself. Do you really think God is interested in giving you more details and more affirmation and more provision if you haven't done anything with what He's already given you? What part of that logic makes sense? If you give a toddler 10 cheerios, you wouldn't give her more until she eats the ones in front on her, right?
-What are the "little things" and "first steps" that you need to be obedient with right now in your life so that God will continue to show you more of the map of your life?
-Who are some Ananias' in your life (people that God put in your path to help you Grow Deeper and Move Forward)? Are there times in your life where God chose your to be the Ananias for someone else? There are opportunities all around you to help coach, mentor, and disciple new believers in Jesus. Would you be willing to be an Ananias in Winston-Salem?
-What excuses do you need to bury so that you can be obedient to what God has called you to do?
-Talk about the difference between realizing your need for a savior and simply feeling guilty for doing bad things. How can that affect your testimony? How can that affect your actions and speech? How can that affect your urgency about the Gospel?
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
-Dangerous Word Night, May 13-19
Passage: Acts 8:1-25
Verse to Memorize: Acts 8:4
vs. 1-3
-Imagine how discouraged the early church must have been. They had done everything right. Momentum was high, and so was morale. So why did God allow something bad to happen? In this passage, we see the result of the persecution: the Gospel spread like wild-fire. So, God actually had a greater purpose in Stephen's death than in his life. But hindsight is easy, isn't it?
-Think about your own life. Are you to a point in your life where you could honestly say, "God, whatever happens in my life is good with me, because I know you have a purpose in it. Whatever happens (good or bad) I'll praise you and worship you and continue to rest in the fact that you are in control." That is one of the most selfless things you could ever say. Are you there yet? Do you believe that? Do you believe it, but just find it hard to go along with it?
-Paul said he had to die to himself daily in order to follow Jesus. This is simply not the American dream. For Stephen, he had to literally die. For us, it may be to die to our own selfish ambitions or to the idols that are taking the place of God in our lives. In doing that, it may actually make our lives harder and less pleasant. Is it worth it to you?
-Is it possible that your hardships and trials are the most effective way for God to use your life to accomplish His purpose and mission on this earth? WOW, that is one of the hardest things I've ever had to type out.
-In verse 1, I love the precedence that this early church sets. It's not the pastor's responsibility to do ministry. It's the pastor's responsibility to equip, prepare, and teach the Church how to go out and do ministry, so that they can go and Be the Church. The early church models this by the pastors staying in Jerusalem and the people being scattered out to continue to preach the word. What are your thoughts on that?
-Vs 4-8
-These verses are a reminder of what persecution can accomplish. We also see that the second part of Acts 1:8 has come to fruition. Jesus was right: the Gospel has spread in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. Is it worth it to you? Would you be willing to play a part in the advancement of God's kingdom and message in this city?
vs. 9-25
-Great reminder of the purpose of both evangelism and discipleship. It's important to preach the Gospel and for people to get saved. It's also important to teach them and disciple them so that they can Grow Deeper and Move Forward. Talk about some things as a group that you have learned since you gave your life to Jesus. What did you have no idea about when your God story first started that you have learned along the way?
-What part of the house are you in? Foyer, bedroom, kitchen, den. Do you see the importance of discipleship and how that plays into your life following Jesus? It's more important than a one-time decision. Following Jesus is a continual growth spurt in your spiritual life.
Action steps:
1. What do you need to do to Move Forward in your relationship with Jesus? What rooms do you need to explore?
2. Who are people in your life that you need to invite into the house by telling them about Jesus and asking them to respond to the Gospel?
3. Are there things in my life that are off-limits to God? Are there areas that you have a mental agreement with God that CAN'T be touched? Fill in the blank: My relationship with God will stay strong and everything will be ok, unless ________ happens.
Verse to Memorize: Acts 8:4
vs. 1-3
-Imagine how discouraged the early church must have been. They had done everything right. Momentum was high, and so was morale. So why did God allow something bad to happen? In this passage, we see the result of the persecution: the Gospel spread like wild-fire. So, God actually had a greater purpose in Stephen's death than in his life. But hindsight is easy, isn't it?
-Think about your own life. Are you to a point in your life where you could honestly say, "God, whatever happens in my life is good with me, because I know you have a purpose in it. Whatever happens (good or bad) I'll praise you and worship you and continue to rest in the fact that you are in control." That is one of the most selfless things you could ever say. Are you there yet? Do you believe that? Do you believe it, but just find it hard to go along with it?
-Paul said he had to die to himself daily in order to follow Jesus. This is simply not the American dream. For Stephen, he had to literally die. For us, it may be to die to our own selfish ambitions or to the idols that are taking the place of God in our lives. In doing that, it may actually make our lives harder and less pleasant. Is it worth it to you?
-Is it possible that your hardships and trials are the most effective way for God to use your life to accomplish His purpose and mission on this earth? WOW, that is one of the hardest things I've ever had to type out.
-In verse 1, I love the precedence that this early church sets. It's not the pastor's responsibility to do ministry. It's the pastor's responsibility to equip, prepare, and teach the Church how to go out and do ministry, so that they can go and Be the Church. The early church models this by the pastors staying in Jerusalem and the people being scattered out to continue to preach the word. What are your thoughts on that?
-Vs 4-8
-These verses are a reminder of what persecution can accomplish. We also see that the second part of Acts 1:8 has come to fruition. Jesus was right: the Gospel has spread in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. Is it worth it to you? Would you be willing to play a part in the advancement of God's kingdom and message in this city?
vs. 9-25
-Great reminder of the purpose of both evangelism and discipleship. It's important to preach the Gospel and for people to get saved. It's also important to teach them and disciple them so that they can Grow Deeper and Move Forward. Talk about some things as a group that you have learned since you gave your life to Jesus. What did you have no idea about when your God story first started that you have learned along the way?
-What part of the house are you in? Foyer, bedroom, kitchen, den. Do you see the importance of discipleship and how that plays into your life following Jesus? It's more important than a one-time decision. Following Jesus is a continual growth spurt in your spiritual life.
Action steps:
1. What do you need to do to Move Forward in your relationship with Jesus? What rooms do you need to explore?
2. Who are people in your life that you need to invite into the house by telling them about Jesus and asking them to respond to the Gospel?
3. Are there things in my life that are off-limits to God? Are there areas that you have a mental agreement with God that CAN'T be touched? Fill in the blank: My relationship with God will stay strong and everything will be ok, unless ________ happens.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Dangerous Word Night, May 6th-12th
Acts 7
Acts 7:55- Verse to Memorize
-Could someone describe you as "stiff-necked and uncircumcised?" Stiff neck would be your own pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness keeps you from truly bowing to God and His will. Uncircumcised in heart and ears means that you may have all the outward appearances and words to say to make people think you're a follower of Jesus, but what about your heart? Are you living a life for Him, or simply giving him lip service?
-When you die, do you think Jesus would stand and welcome you into the kingdom? Has your life been that impactful? Have you shown that much respect and honor to the name of Jesus through your words, attitudes, and actions? What can you do now to start that legacy. What are ways that you know you need to get better? Make a game plan, be accountable to one another, and help each other get to where you need to be as followers of Jesus.
3 Challenges from this Text:
1. Stephen's death obviously had an impact on Saul (later known as Paul). Do you view your suffering and life in Christ as a stepping stone for someone else coming to know Him? Can a perspective like that change the way you view your own hardships and sacrifices in relation to the Gospel? Do you see how petty your comfort level and reputation can be when you realize what all is at stake?
2. Are you challenged by Stephen's grasp on the OT? Many people are afraid when they talk about Jesus because they may be asked a question that they don't know the answer to. Stephen refused to use that as an excuse. He dedicated himself to the Word and at his most desperate moment was able to out talk even the most religiously educated people. Do you know how dangerous you could be if you had the same love and devotion to the word? Now would be a good time to discuss the verses we are memorizing together. It's a great way to tell the story of the book of Acts, just like Stephen does with the Pentateuch and some of the Gospels.
3. Are you willing to live for Christ? What does that mean? Which would be easier, to live or to die for Jesus? You don't have to wait until a gun is at your head or you're on trial in defense of your own life. Live for Jesus now. Even with his last words, Stephen was acting like Jesus. Can others say that about you?
Acts 7:55- Verse to Memorize
-Could someone describe you as "stiff-necked and uncircumcised?" Stiff neck would be your own pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness keeps you from truly bowing to God and His will. Uncircumcised in heart and ears means that you may have all the outward appearances and words to say to make people think you're a follower of Jesus, but what about your heart? Are you living a life for Him, or simply giving him lip service?
-When you die, do you think Jesus would stand and welcome you into the kingdom? Has your life been that impactful? Have you shown that much respect and honor to the name of Jesus through your words, attitudes, and actions? What can you do now to start that legacy. What are ways that you know you need to get better? Make a game plan, be accountable to one another, and help each other get to where you need to be as followers of Jesus.
3 Challenges from this Text:
1. Stephen's death obviously had an impact on Saul (later known as Paul). Do you view your suffering and life in Christ as a stepping stone for someone else coming to know Him? Can a perspective like that change the way you view your own hardships and sacrifices in relation to the Gospel? Do you see how petty your comfort level and reputation can be when you realize what all is at stake?
2. Are you challenged by Stephen's grasp on the OT? Many people are afraid when they talk about Jesus because they may be asked a question that they don't know the answer to. Stephen refused to use that as an excuse. He dedicated himself to the Word and at his most desperate moment was able to out talk even the most religiously educated people. Do you know how dangerous you could be if you had the same love and devotion to the word? Now would be a good time to discuss the verses we are memorizing together. It's a great way to tell the story of the book of Acts, just like Stephen does with the Pentateuch and some of the Gospels.
3. Are you willing to live for Christ? What does that mean? Which would be easier, to live or to die for Jesus? You don't have to wait until a gun is at your head or you're on trial in defense of your own life. Live for Jesus now. Even with his last words, Stephen was acting like Jesus. Can others say that about you?
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