Acts 12
Verse to Memorize: Acts 12:24
-The Church was praying fervently, earnestly, and intensely about Peter's situation in verse 5. The group got to the point where prayer and reliance on God was the only thing they had left. When was the last time that you "prayed earnestly?" What were you praying about? How did you arrive at that desperate point where prayer became so important? What was the result?
-Share an example of how during one of your most vulnerable and helpless moments, God showed up and did something in your life. Does anyone in your group feel like they are in that situation now? Encouraged them, pray for them, walk with them!
-God intervened in Peter's life and in the life of the church many times when the situation was critical and the people were helpless. Why does God do that? Why does he wait that long? Situations like this ensure that he'll get the glory, that we realize our own need for God, and we'll have a great story to tell others about the goodness of God when He's finished.
-Jesus made a promise to Peter in John 21:19 that he would live a long time and enjoy life. No doubt that promise was ringing in Peter's head as he slept peacefully the night before his execution. What are some promises that God has made you that you need to remind yourself of? What are some things in Scripture that God has told his people will happen as a result of their faith in Him? Let's remind ourselves of those things and live our lives believing that God is faithful and those promises will be kept!
-Do you ever pray sometimes, not really expecting anything to happen? BE HONEST! Do you ever get surprised by the fact that God has actually answered a prayer that you have prayed to Him? Why is that? How can you change your prayer life to start anticipating and expecting God to answer you? Are answers to prayers for you more like expecting the results to happen or being surprised by a side-effect if the request is granted?
-The Church prayed for people that were in bondage. Take some time to pray for people that you know who are in bondage. Human trafficking victims, drug addicts, sexual sins, friends that don't know Jesus that you are praying for, etc. Write these people's names out and be diligent to pray for them weekly as a group. The power of the prayers from the church is incredible!
-How is the Word of God growing and prospering in your life?
Group leaders, you can look on the homepage of the REVO Backstage blog and get daily updates from the REVO crew in Cuba this week. Please take some time to pray for this group as they travel and preach the Gospel in communist Cuba.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Dangerous Word Night, June 17th-23rd
Acts 11
What is a "Christian"? Why do people call themselves that?
-Because my parents are
-because I believe in the same moral premises
-my behavior models it
-because I go to a Christian church
-I line up with the theology
Stats say that almost 9/10 Americans consider themselves "Christians."
-If your life was the only Bible that your friends ever read, how many pages would the book be? How closely would it line up with what Scripture says?
Let's look an a list of biblical descriptions of "Christians."
vs. 18-
Repentance of Sins
(1 John 1:9)
-How is repentance a positive? Do you view it as a privilege or something you are forced to do? What is the alternative to repentance?
-Why is repentance a significant characteristic of Christians?
vs. 19-
Facing the reality of problems and persecution
-How can hard times in your life be an incredible testament to your relationship with Jesus?
-Have you ever wasted a conflict or problem in your life? Didn't capitalize, didn't take the opportunity to grow deeper or increase your faith in Jesus?
-What are some problems that you have faced, and how can you help others that may be going through those same problems now? Don't miss an opportunity to help others lean on Jesus during their conflicts.
vs. 20-
Intentional Spiritual Growth
(John 13:35)
-As you continue to follow Jesus, what are you doing to focus on your personal spiritual growth?
-The church broke from their normal routine to reach a different people in a different place under different circumstances. What norms do you need to break in order to get out of your routine in order to reach people for Jesus?
vs. 21-
Personal Relationship with God
-Followers of Jesus have a personal relationship with Jesus. Sounds easy right?
-What's the difference between making a decision to follow Jesus and pursuing a real relationship with him? Which one does your life look like?
vs. 22-24
Remain Faithful
-Barnabas was sent to encourage the church in their faith, to keep trusting and relying on God, and to continue to use their abilities to glorify God. What areas of your life do you need a pep-talk in? What areas do you need encouraged to remain faithful? Help encourage your group members weekly to remain faithful.
vs. 25-26
THE MAIN POINT: How you live indicates what you believe about Jesus.
-What does your life tell others about Jesus? Your finances, your family, your lifestyle, your decisions.
-What does your "evangelistic urgency" tell others about Jesus? If you aren't telling people about Jesus, then it's hard to convince them that he's really as important as you say he is.
-The unchurched looked at the church at Antioch and called them "Christians." If you asked your friends to list 5 words that describe you, would "Christian" be one of them?
A Dangerous Church isn't known for it's numbers or location or pastor. A Dangerous Church is known for having people that look and act like Jesus. Is your rGroup Dangerous?
What is a "Christian"? Why do people call themselves that?
-Because my parents are
-because I believe in the same moral premises
-my behavior models it
-because I go to a Christian church
-I line up with the theology
Stats say that almost 9/10 Americans consider themselves "Christians."
-If your life was the only Bible that your friends ever read, how many pages would the book be? How closely would it line up with what Scripture says?
Let's look an a list of biblical descriptions of "Christians."
vs. 18-
Repentance of Sins
(1 John 1:9)
-How is repentance a positive? Do you view it as a privilege or something you are forced to do? What is the alternative to repentance?
-Why is repentance a significant characteristic of Christians?
vs. 19-
Facing the reality of problems and persecution
-How can hard times in your life be an incredible testament to your relationship with Jesus?
-Have you ever wasted a conflict or problem in your life? Didn't capitalize, didn't take the opportunity to grow deeper or increase your faith in Jesus?
-What are some problems that you have faced, and how can you help others that may be going through those same problems now? Don't miss an opportunity to help others lean on Jesus during their conflicts.
vs. 20-
Intentional Spiritual Growth
(John 13:35)
-As you continue to follow Jesus, what are you doing to focus on your personal spiritual growth?
-The church broke from their normal routine to reach a different people in a different place under different circumstances. What norms do you need to break in order to get out of your routine in order to reach people for Jesus?
vs. 21-
Personal Relationship with God
-Followers of Jesus have a personal relationship with Jesus. Sounds easy right?
-What's the difference between making a decision to follow Jesus and pursuing a real relationship with him? Which one does your life look like?
vs. 22-24
Remain Faithful
-Barnabas was sent to encourage the church in their faith, to keep trusting and relying on God, and to continue to use their abilities to glorify God. What areas of your life do you need a pep-talk in? What areas do you need encouraged to remain faithful? Help encourage your group members weekly to remain faithful.
vs. 25-26
THE MAIN POINT: How you live indicates what you believe about Jesus.
-What does your life tell others about Jesus? Your finances, your family, your lifestyle, your decisions.
-What does your "evangelistic urgency" tell others about Jesus? If you aren't telling people about Jesus, then it's hard to convince them that he's really as important as you say he is.
-The unchurched looked at the church at Antioch and called them "Christians." If you asked your friends to list 5 words that describe you, would "Christian" be one of them?
A Dangerous Church isn't known for it's numbers or location or pastor. A Dangerous Church is known for having people that look and act like Jesus. Is your rGroup Dangerous?
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Dangerous Word Night, June 10th-16th
Acts 10
Intimacy with God
Main Point: The ability to hear God's direction and voice in your life has a direct correlation with your level of intimacy with Him. (Rephrased): 1. To clearly hear the voice of God in your life, you have to have intimacy with Him. 2. The closer you are to God, the easier it is to hear Him speak.
What is intimacy? Close, personal, detailed, knowledgable, loving, deep. Are those words that you would use to describe your relationship with God?
Everyone has questions and wants to find purpose and direction for their life. So how do you find that? Intimacy with God.
#1- You can't fake intimacy with God.
What were the attributes of Cornelius that helped him become intimate with God? (vs. 2)
Ways that prove you can't fake intimacy are your ability to hear God's voice, and how God views your life (giving, relationship, attitude, actions). You can fool men, but you can't fool God in these areas.
Recognizing God's voice is step 1. What is step two, which is just as important and very difficult sometimes? (obedience).
Which better describes you: lack of intimacy, lack of obedience, or lack of trust?
-Intimacy would be not being able to hear or discern God's voice.
-Obedience would be knowing exactly what God has called you to do, but simply not doing it.
-Trust would be knowing disobedience driven by the idea that you don't trust God to take care of you, provide for you, work out the details.
#2- Intimacy is more than just following the rules.
What did the dream mean?
1. We can eat bacon.
2. The segregation of God's people from the rest of the world through circumcision, dietary rules, and societal separation is over.
3. The message of the Gospel and a relationship with Jesus is now open to everyone!
4. We can eat bacon! YAHTZEE!
#3- Intimacy is a continual process.
When you becomes friends with someone, you don't stop working at friendships. BFF rarely means Forever without working hard on it.
#4- Intimacy involves trust.
Is your intimacy level with God deep enough to push you to do things that are uncomfortable, unconventional, and unexplainable?
Think about the weight of this: God has put you at your work, in your neighborhood, with your set of friends to make sure that people know about Jesus. Are you missing a huge opportunity? Is your neighbor Cornelius and you Peter? Please don't be content to sit on the Gospel message. Intimacy with God will force us to realize the importance of telling others about Jesus.
#5- Intimacy doesn't happen overnight, so start pursuing intimacy with God NOW.
Don't wait until something bad happens to pursue God. Don't wait until you are in a jam to begin having the desire of intimacy with God. I know we all run to God when bad things happen, but how many of us run to God when everything is going well? Good health, good job, good money, good relationships. How diligent are you in pursuing God?
This is a game changer for our church. If our intimacy level with God grows deeper and we are obedient to His voice, we'll be an unstoppable force, a Dangerous Church!
Intimacy with God
Main Point: The ability to hear God's direction and voice in your life has a direct correlation with your level of intimacy with Him. (Rephrased): 1. To clearly hear the voice of God in your life, you have to have intimacy with Him. 2. The closer you are to God, the easier it is to hear Him speak.
What is intimacy? Close, personal, detailed, knowledgable, loving, deep. Are those words that you would use to describe your relationship with God?
Everyone has questions and wants to find purpose and direction for their life. So how do you find that? Intimacy with God.
#1- You can't fake intimacy with God.
What were the attributes of Cornelius that helped him become intimate with God? (vs. 2)
Ways that prove you can't fake intimacy are your ability to hear God's voice, and how God views your life (giving, relationship, attitude, actions). You can fool men, but you can't fool God in these areas.
Recognizing God's voice is step 1. What is step two, which is just as important and very difficult sometimes? (obedience).
Which better describes you: lack of intimacy, lack of obedience, or lack of trust?
-Intimacy would be not being able to hear or discern God's voice.
-Obedience would be knowing exactly what God has called you to do, but simply not doing it.
-Trust would be knowing disobedience driven by the idea that you don't trust God to take care of you, provide for you, work out the details.
#2- Intimacy is more than just following the rules.
What did the dream mean?
1. We can eat bacon.
2. The segregation of God's people from the rest of the world through circumcision, dietary rules, and societal separation is over.
3. The message of the Gospel and a relationship with Jesus is now open to everyone!
4. We can eat bacon! YAHTZEE!
#3- Intimacy is a continual process.
When you becomes friends with someone, you don't stop working at friendships. BFF rarely means Forever without working hard on it.
#4- Intimacy involves trust.
Is your intimacy level with God deep enough to push you to do things that are uncomfortable, unconventional, and unexplainable?
Think about the weight of this: God has put you at your work, in your neighborhood, with your set of friends to make sure that people know about Jesus. Are you missing a huge opportunity? Is your neighbor Cornelius and you Peter? Please don't be content to sit on the Gospel message. Intimacy with God will force us to realize the importance of telling others about Jesus.
#5- Intimacy doesn't happen overnight, so start pursuing intimacy with God NOW.
Don't wait until something bad happens to pursue God. Don't wait until you are in a jam to begin having the desire of intimacy with God. I know we all run to God when bad things happen, but how many of us run to God when everything is going well? Good health, good job, good money, good relationships. How diligent are you in pursuing God?
This is a game changer for our church. If our intimacy level with God grows deeper and we are obedient to His voice, we'll be an unstoppable force, a Dangerous Church!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Dangerous Word Night, May 27th-June 2nd
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?
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 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?
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Dangerous Word Night, April 29th-May 5th
Acts 6:1-15
Memorize Acts 6:3
-Remind your group that REVO as an organization served over 6,500 hours in 2011! That's an incredible number considering our size and we only launched in February of that year! Celebrate that! Make a big deal about it with the people in your group that served hard last year.
vs. 1-2
-Serving tables was a term used to talk about every aspect of the church that wasn't the direct preaching and teaching of the word.
-there is literally a place for everyone to serve in a local church setting. If you're not serving, the reason isn't because there isn't anything for you to do.
vs. 5-6
-All of the names are Greek. The Greeks were an unreached people in the area. The church found a need, came up with a game plan, and mobilized. At REVO, our service opportunities are done through our rGroups. Has your group (or you as an individual) found a need, come up with a game plan to meet it, and mobilized? If not, spend some time tonight thinking of a way you can serve hard in the next month, and then do it!
-Here's a tough question to ask yourself. Is what you are doing on a daily basis having any impact on anyone except yourself? As a believer, you know the mandate that God has called us to, but so many times we give excuses like, "I don't have time to do it, I'm too tired, I just can't this week, blah blah blah." What are you actually doing that has an eternal impact? How are you spending your time that is putting other people above yourself? Do you realize that the local church is a place to serve and volunteer that will accomplish all of those things? Why would you NOT want to Serve Hard as much as you could?
vs. 7
Why do we make it such a big deal to serve? Because when you do, you are allowing other people to hear the Gospel message and make a decision for Christ. When you put it in those words and think about it that way, service becomes more than charity work or simply checking off your good deed for the day. There is a lot on the line! Your service is changing lives and people are meeting Jesus as a result of it!
There are 2 ways that Satan will try to thwart the advancement of the Gospel: oppression and persecution. It happened with Stephen in these verses and also with Jesus. First, they oppressed the truth with lies, then they persecuted both of them to their deaths. Remember those 2 tactics as you go forward. The one we have to deal with the most internally is the oppression. We are encouraged not to talk about Jesus or our faith. You can get mocked for volunteering on a Saturday to serve with the church or wake up early on Sunday to serve. Are you going to let that stop you?
Key Points to Remember/Discuss:
1. A Dangerous Church fights hard to make sure nothing distracts it from the main thing.
2. There are ample opportunities for people to get plugged in so that their time and energy can be spent towards seeing lives changed and making REVO a dangerous church.
3. Everything we do is meant to help accomplish the mission of seeing lives changed by Jesus and create disciples of him.
4. The church has a two-fold process of gathering and scattering. All of these stories that we have been reading about in Acts are actually accounts of the church scattered. These are accounts of the church going outside of the walls of the temple and actually being the church.
5. You've got to move past the weekend if you want to follow Jesus. If we're going to be dangerous, it cannot be just about coming to church on Sunday.
Memorize Acts 6:3
-Remind your group that REVO as an organization served over 6,500 hours in 2011! That's an incredible number considering our size and we only launched in February of that year! Celebrate that! Make a big deal about it with the people in your group that served hard last year.
vs. 1-2
-Serving tables was a term used to talk about every aspect of the church that wasn't the direct preaching and teaching of the word.
-there is literally a place for everyone to serve in a local church setting. If you're not serving, the reason isn't because there isn't anything for you to do.
vs. 5-6
-All of the names are Greek. The Greeks were an unreached people in the area. The church found a need, came up with a game plan, and mobilized. At REVO, our service opportunities are done through our rGroups. Has your group (or you as an individual) found a need, come up with a game plan to meet it, and mobilized? If not, spend some time tonight thinking of a way you can serve hard in the next month, and then do it!
-Here's a tough question to ask yourself. Is what you are doing on a daily basis having any impact on anyone except yourself? As a believer, you know the mandate that God has called us to, but so many times we give excuses like, "I don't have time to do it, I'm too tired, I just can't this week, blah blah blah." What are you actually doing that has an eternal impact? How are you spending your time that is putting other people above yourself? Do you realize that the local church is a place to serve and volunteer that will accomplish all of those things? Why would you NOT want to Serve Hard as much as you could?
vs. 7
Why do we make it such a big deal to serve? Because when you do, you are allowing other people to hear the Gospel message and make a decision for Christ. When you put it in those words and think about it that way, service becomes more than charity work or simply checking off your good deed for the day. There is a lot on the line! Your service is changing lives and people are meeting Jesus as a result of it!
There are 2 ways that Satan will try to thwart the advancement of the Gospel: oppression and persecution. It happened with Stephen in these verses and also with Jesus. First, they oppressed the truth with lies, then they persecuted both of them to their deaths. Remember those 2 tactics as you go forward. The one we have to deal with the most internally is the oppression. We are encouraged not to talk about Jesus or our faith. You can get mocked for volunteering on a Saturday to serve with the church or wake up early on Sunday to serve. Are you going to let that stop you?
Key Points to Remember/Discuss:
1. A Dangerous Church fights hard to make sure nothing distracts it from the main thing.
2. There are ample opportunities for people to get plugged in so that their time and energy can be spent towards seeing lives changed and making REVO a dangerous church.
3. Everything we do is meant to help accomplish the mission of seeing lives changed by Jesus and create disciples of him.
4. The church has a two-fold process of gathering and scattering. All of these stories that we have been reading about in Acts are actually accounts of the church scattered. These are accounts of the church going outside of the walls of the temple and actually being the church.
5. You've got to move past the weekend if you want to follow Jesus. If we're going to be dangerous, it cannot be just about coming to church on Sunday.
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