Be Courageous | Acts 22:30-24-27

Discussion Questions

1. How is biblical courage different from what the world depicts as courage? Share scripture passages that reinforce these truths.

2. Recount, share and give thanks to God for His provision of courage during a recent time of difficulty.

3. As Paul was reminded to have courage in Acts 23:11, in what areas of your life do you need a reminder to have courage?

4. Pause and seek the Holy Spirit. How is He calling you to be courageous and what steps can you take to walk in faithfulness?

Prayer Points

• Pray against a “spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7) and pray for God to replace it with His power and courage through the Holy Spirit.

• Pray that God will fill the people of Sound City with courage to proclaim the gospel message to our family, friends, and neighbors.

Back to Jerusalem | Acts 21:1-22:29

Throughout Acts 21, the Holy Spirit speaks to his people through the gift of prophecy. In our modern context, many of us have doubts, fears, and skepticism about this spiritual gift. But when rightly understood, we see that prophecy is a good gift from God to build up his church.

Discussion Questions

1. What personal experiences do you have with more “overt” spiritual gifts like prophecy? How has this affected your view on this important spiritual gift?

2. Why does Paul say in 1 Corinthians 14:1 that we should “eagerly desire” the gift of prophecy? What purpose does this gift serve in the life of the church?

3. Why do gifts like prophecy so often get misused? Why is it so critically important to keep the gospel of Jesus in mind when it comes to exercising this potent gift?

4. In 1 Corinthians 14:23-24, Paul says that prophecy has an important use in evangelism. How can we help each other be prophetic in our witness?

Prayer Points

• Pray that God would raise up leaders who can rightly use the gift of prophecy in our church family. Pray that we would be both bold and humble in our use of this gift.

• Pray that we would all be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading and guidance in our interactions with people who need to hear and believe the message of the Gospel.

Full Devotion | Acts 20:1-38

Sermon Description

In Acts 20, we see a long travelogue, a long sermon, and a long elder meeting. Throughout this chapter, Paul and the other missionaries face many challenges and difficulties, but are able to do so because they are fueled by a genuine, joyful, wholehearted devotion to God.

Discussion Questions

1. In your own words, what does it mean to be “devoted” to something? What does it mean to be devoted to Jesus? 

2. How can we help one another cultivate deep thoughtfulness and study in a soundbite culture? 

3. How did Jesus display his devotion to the Father during his earthly life and ministry? How is the devotion of Jesus the fuel for our devotion? 

4. Why is it hard for us to live in the tension between boldness and humility? Why are both essential in the life of a disciple? 

5. How does a devoted heart lead to mission? What happens if we try to go out on mission without a true heart of devotion?

Prayer Points

• Pray Psalm 86:11, that God would give us all undivided hearts, fully devoted to him.

• Pray that our devotion would display in a commitment to going out on mission to a lost and dying world.

The Ephesian Riot | Acts 19:1-41

In Acts 19, Paul’s preaching causes a major disturbance because it affects the financial profits of the idol makers. In this important passage, we see that the words of Jesus were most certainly true: “where your heart is, there your treasure will be also.”

Discussion Questions

1. What was your relationship to money in your family of origin? Was money tight? Was there worship of money? What messages about money did you internalize in your early years?

2. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, but there is often an even deeper love underneath. In your interactions with money, what deeper fears or loves come into play?

3. If we really lived out the gospel we believe, how would that affect the practical realities of life: money, work, relationships, sexuality, entertainment, etc.?

4. Why is the gospel of “God loves you” insufficient on its own? Why is it important to include Jesus’ call to deny ourselves and follow him?

Prayer Points

• Pray that Jesus would give us worship and generous hearts when it comes to money.

• Pray that the gospel we believe would affect not just our hearts, but also the practical realities of our lives. 

• Pray that Jesus would use our generosity to further his kingdom in our region and beyond.

The Quest for Recognition | Acts 18:1-28

Acts 18 moves quickly through a variety of cities, and features a variety of characters. Some, like Paul and Apollos, have front-facing, public leadership roles, while others, like Priscilla and Aquila, have more behind-the-scenes supporting roles. But no matter our role in the family of God, we can be assured that God knows us, loves us, and provides the only recognition that truly matters.

Evangelism Exemplified | Acts 17:1-34

Evangelism can be a loaded phrase in our day and age. Thankfully, in Acts 17 Paul provides us with a picture of evangelism by sharing the gospel in three cities in the ancient world in quick succession. By doing so Paul provides believers with a model of how to evangelize in different contexts and key traits involved in evangelism.

Discussion Questions

1. Does Paul's example of reasoning (inward and outward dialogue so that others might share your beliefs) make you uncomfortable? If so, why?

2. If someone were to ask you to explain the gospel, could you do it? What is it?

3. Have you ever felt deeply distressed by idols being worshiped instead of God? How should we carry this truth into discussing our own heart idol issues with others?

4. In evangelism we must keep Jesus and his resurrection front and center. Who has God put in your life to share the gospel with either recently or on a regular basis?

Prayer Points

1. Pray that God would lead our church by His Spirit to grow as evangelists.

2. Pray that God would give us the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with others this week.

Jesus Wants to Make You Truly Authentic | Luke 6:43-45

Nobody likes a hypocrite; we agree that authenticity and integrity are important. The problem is everyone is a hypocrite at some level. The good news is Jesus invites hypocrites like you and me to take off our masks and let him change our hearts.

Discussion Questions

1. In this passage, Jesus gives an illustration that explains an important aspect of human nature - why we do what we do. What does he say about the connection between the nature of the trees and the fruit they produce? How does he connect that to our hearts and actions?

2. One pastor described hypocrisy as, “Let’s hide what I’m really like by focusing on what’s wrong with everybody else.” Whether that is intentional or not, we a prone toward distraction or focusing on externals instead of looking at the reality of our own hearts and what we are loving. What has that looked like for you this week?

3. The hope of the Gospel is that not only does Jesus take away our sin but he makes us, as Paul says, new creations. Why is it good news that Jesus isn’t after your resume or report card but, instead, your heart?

Prayer Points

• Humility to see ourselves rightly and to have proper expectations of ourselves and others.

• Freedom and enjoyment of God in knowing he wants us to enjoy him now and forever.

The Body of Christ | Acts 15:36-16:40

Sermon Description

In Acts 15, the question was “how do Jews and Gentiles come together in God’s united family?” Now in Acts 16, the question turns to “what does it look like as this united family continues the work of Jesus ‘to the ends of the earth’?” In this passage, we see that even with our shortcomings, Jesus cares for us as his body.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think God has so closely connected our physicality and our spirituality? How do things like baptism, communion, singing, kneeling, etc. help us connect with God?

2. Of the six aspects listed about the body of Christ—in progress, varied, Spirit-filled, rejoicing, preaching, and wise—which one stands out to you as a strength in your life? Which one stands out as a needed area of growth for you?

3. As you read through Acts 16, how do these positive examples show us more about what Jesus is like? How do these stories help us to focus, ​not​ on the church, but more on Jesus?

4. If we are the body of Christ here on earth, how might that affect the way that you live your life in front of the non-believing world?

Prayer Points

1. Pray that Jesus would help us to grow as a church community to more closely resemble the good aspects of the church highlighted in Acts 16.

2. Pray that we would take seriously our call to be the body of Christ here on earth by proclaiming the gospel and living lives that point to his goodness and love.

For Further Study

The baptism of the Phillipian jailer’s family in Acts 16 is often used by people who support infant baptism. For an explanation of why that isn’t the best way to read Acts 16, please see ​this helpful article from Sam Storms​.

The Jerusalem Council | Acts 15:1-35

As the Apostles take the message of Jesus out to the non-Jewish world, a very important question arises: “how Jewish do these Gentile believers need to be?” In Acts 15, see that identity markers are not what make us right with God; only faith in Jesus does that. But along the way, we learn how important it is to read the Torah rightly, not simply picking and choosing what parts to keep and what parts to discard.

Discussion Questions

1. Have you had discussions with people around the idea that “you Christians pick-and-choose which parts of the Bible to follow”? How did you respond? How is God inviting you to grow in your knowledge of the Scriptures?

2. What identity markers do you love and appreciate about yourself, your family, your “tribe”? Why is it important to remember that, while those may be good and beautiful things, only faith in Jesus matters when it comes to our right standing before God?

3. In the sermon, seven principles were listed when it comes to rightly understanding the Christian’s relationship to the Torah. Which of these made the most sense to you? Which do you need help to understand? Discuss with your group.

4. When it comes to explaining our beliefs in our current secular culture, why is it not enough to simply say “the Bible says”? How can we help each other grow in our ability to explain Christian belief to nonbelievers?

Prayer Points

• Pray that that, as individuals and as a church, we would be deeply shaped by the entire Word of God.

• Pray that we would be effective witnesses for Jesus in a world that increasingly doesn’t understand us.

The Christian Life in Three Dimensions | Acts 14:1-28

As the followers of Jesus expand beyond the region of Judea, they are confronted with new challenges. In all of it, they must learn to balance three critically important areas of focus: engagement with the Holy Spirit, engagement with the culture, and engagement with the local church.

Discussion Questions

1. Of the three focal points highlighted—engagement with the Holy Spirit, mission to the culture, commitment to the local church—which area is strongest for you, and which area is weakest? How can you contribute your strength to the local church? How can you shore up your weakness?

2. When it comes to engaging with The Holy Spirit, what questions or misgivings do you have? How can we help one another cultivate awareness of Holy Spirit?

3. How should the church reflect Jesus himself, when it comes to engagement with The Holy Spirit, mission to our culture, and discipleship in the church? How is the gospel our foundation for life in the church and the world?

4. How can we help each other have fresh eyes when it comes to engaging our culture with the gospel of Jesus?

Prayer Points

• Pray that God would shape into a truly Spirit-reliant church.

• Pray that we would have fresh eyes when it comes to creatively engaging our culture with the gospel.

• Pray that we would be disciples, and make disciples in the context of our local church.

A Turning Point | Acts 12:1-13:52

Sermon Description

In Acts chapters 12 and 13 we see that even though the church is persecuted they turn to prayer and boldly continue to send forth the message of Jesus the Savior. Undeterred, the Good News begins to spread from Jerusalem and Judea, through Samaria, and now to the ends of the earth. Will the church of today continue to join in the advance of the message of Jesus?

Prayer Points

1. Pray for the persecuted church around the world.

2. Pray that God will prepare each of us for any persecution that we might face so that we will remain faithful and bold throughout.

3. Pray that God will keep us from being inward focused and complacent but rather that he will stoke in us a fiery passion for his glory that motivates us to bold witness.

4. Pray for God to show us each ways that we can proclaim Jesus even during this continuing COVID pandemic.

Discussion Questions

1. How is the cultural persecution of the church in the West different from other persecution? In what ways is it effective at stopping the church’s witness?

2. How are we tempted to turn inward-focused and become reluctant to join in the advancement of the Good News?

3. What are we risking when we live boldly for the Kingdom of God?

4. How can we share Jesus during the COVID pandemic with restricted interactions?

5. What would you do to join the Mission of the Gospel if there were no pandemic?

6. Is God calling you to make a bold move in your life to be more missional?

Resources for Further Study

1. Voice of the Martyrs Global Prayer Guide

2. Training to be on Mission with God in your daily life!

3. Book: Let the Nations Be Glad!: The Supremacy of God in Missions by John Piper

When Everything is Shaken | Haggai 2:6-9

2020 has been a year where everything has been shaken up. The prophet Haggai instructs us that the Lord allows us to go through these times of shaking so that we will reevaluate our priorities in the light of the gospel.

Discussion Questions

1. Read Ezra 3:10-13. Imagine the mixture of joy and sadness those people experienced. What might that have been like? In what ways can you personally relate?

2. When we go through difficult seasons, why Is gospel encouragement so much more important than simple “you can do it” encouragement?

3. Besides the “big picture” difficulties (COVID, etc.), what personal shakings have you experienced in the past year? How are these an opportunity to reevaluate your priorities?

4. How is God calling you to be on mission to those who are experiencing a season of shaking?

Prayer Points

• Pray for our church to endure the shakings of life with both grace and peace.

• Pray about specific difficulties for those in your group.

• Pray that God would use us to spread the good news of the gospel during these shakings and hard times.

How Long Until the Morning? | Eve of the Eve

How Long Until Jesus Comes Again? | Revelation 6

Sermon Description

In the book of Revelation, we are granted a peek behind the curtain, as we see that the martyred saints of old are crying out to God, “how long until you judge those who live on the earth and avenge our blood?” This cry is shared by those of us who are still living and by all of creation, as we await the return of Jesus and the restoration of all things.

Discussion Questions

1. As you face the struggles and difficulties of life, how does the witness of the martyrs in Revelation 6 give you perspective and strength to endure?

2. How can we, as brothers and sisters in Christ, help each other to walk in the love and peace of Jesus as we await his return?

3. How does the big picture story of redemption help us have perspective on the timing of Jesus’ return? Why is it important to remember that this is a long story?

4. How can we live in the tension of desiring Jesus’ return while at the same time wanting more time to proclaim the gospel with unbelieving friends and loved ones?

Prayer Points

• Pray for Jesus to return soon to make all things new

• Pray that we, as a church and as individuals, would be filled with the love and peace of Christ while we wait for Jesus’ return.

• Pray that we would live with a sense of urgency when it comes to sharing the gospel.

How Long Will The Church Do Wrong? | Jeremiah 23

In a time of widespread corruption and wickedness, the prophet Jeremiah cried out “how long will the prophets speak falsely from their own minds, and not from God?” In today’s world, with pastoral leadership failures seemingly everywhere, it can be tempting to lose our love for the church. But when we see that Jesus came to redeem his broken, messy church, we can have hope for the church, despite her flaws and failures.

Discussion Questions

1. Share your church background with your group. Were you raised in the church, or did you come later in life? Where have you seen examples of good leadership? Do you have experiences with unfaithful shepherds in the church? (Note: please share with discretion.)

2. When you consider the world’s opinion of the church, how does that make you feel? How might you be tempted to respond in ungodly ways (e.g. compromise with the world, anger towards the world, etc.)

3. How does Jesus, the good shepherd, give you hope for the church, even with all her flaws and shortcomings? How is the gospel encouraging to you in the middle of the mess?

4. Even if you’re not in formal church leadership, all believers are prophets, priests, and kings. How does this help you be mindful of your conduct as you live on mission for the world?

Prayer Points

• Pray for our church, the leaders, the members, and the staff. Pray that all of us would do our part to be faithful to Jesus.

• Pray for those who have been deeply hurt by the church. Pray for the love of Jesus to help them heal, hope, and eventually trust again.

• Pray that we would model Christlike love and faithfulness to the world around us.

How Long Will Injustice Reign? | Habakkuk 1

As the prophets of old waited for the coming of the Messiah, they could be heard crying out “how long, o Lord, until you come to deal with injustices in our society?” One such prophet was Habakkuk, who wrestled with God over the plan and timing for the Messiah to come and deal with injustice once and for all.

Discussion Questions

1. Behonest: does the deeply biblical theme of justice/injustice resonate with you? If the answer is “no,” why might that be? How can you foster an awareness of and a care for justice, something that God cares greatly about?

2. What injustices have you experienced in your life? What injustices have you witnessed in the lives of others? How do those experiences map onto the thought that Jesus experienced the ultimate injustice on the cross?

3. Why do we struggle to trust God’s timing on dealing with injustices? If we knew the plan and the timeline, would that actually help us? How can we trust God even when we don’t understand?

4. In what ways does the biblical concept of justice overlap with our current cultural portrait of justice? In what ways is it different? How would a deeper commitment to justice on the part of Christians help us reach people with the gospel of Jesus?

Prayer Points

• Pray and repent for any ways that you have participated in injustice, even If just in your own heart.

• Pray that God would help us to live out biblical justice as we seek to share the message of the gospel, this Christmas season and beyond.

How Long Will I Struggle With This Sin? | Hosea 8

Before the Messiah came, the people of God would often cry out “how long, o Lord?” when it came to the troubles in our lives and in the world. Now that Jesus has come, we can have hope when we cry out “how long will | struggle with this sin in my life?” even as we look forward to his second coming.

Discussion Questions

1. When you think about idolatry, does it sound strange to you? Why do you think that ancient people had gods/idols for literally everything? How does that connect to our modern lives?

2. Share openly with those in your community: what idols are you the most prone to give a place in your heart? Why do those particular idols “grab” you (personality, childhood wounds, fears, etc.)?

3. How is the gospel of Jesus our only true hope when it comes to removing idols from our hearts and making genuine progress? Why does “more law” not work?

4. As the world celebrates Christmas, how can our commitment to Jesus be a witness to a world that is ensnared by many idols?

Prayer Points

• Pray that God’s Holy Spirit would help you focus on Jesus and smash your idols.

• Pray for grace for yourself and others when the progress isn’t as fast as you would like.

• Pray that your witness for Jesus would grow as you put sin to death in your life.

God's Newly United Family | Acts 11:1-30

As modern, western readers of the Bible, it is easy for us to misunderstand the conflict that is happening in Acts 11. But the more that we know about the context of this conflict, the more we know that God’s laws are not arbitrary or legalistic. Rather, God calls his people to be distinct from the world in order to be a blessing to the world.

Discussion Questions

1. Which ditch are you personally more prone toward: not distinct enough from the world, or too distinct and distant from the world? How can we help one another live in the tension of John 17:15-18.

2. In Acts 11, we see a handful of specific blessings that come when God's people are distinct from the world: repentance, ethnic reconciliation, Christlikeness, and financial aid. In your group, talk about the myriad of other ways that we can be a blessing to the world when we are willing to be distinct and different from the world?

3. How was Jesus distinct from the world? How Is that holiness/separation/distinction an indispensable part of the good news? And, how did that distinction enable him to be a blessing to the world?

4. What specific gifts, talents, or abilities has God given to you personally that he wants you to use to bring the good news of Jesus into the world?

Prayer Points

1. Pray that we—as individuals and as a church—would live in that tension of being different from the world while still being a blessing to the world.

2. Pray that we would follow the Spirit on mission to the world with both our words and our deeds. Pray for Jesus to save people and bring them into his newly united family.

Sunday Gathering Update

Pastor Aaron shares some updates from the elder team regarding corporate worship this Sunday and beyond.