TODAY:

Acts 7:54-8:4 | The Unstoppable Kingdom of God

BIG IDEA:

Suffering leads us to hope, discipleship & mission.

SCRIPTURES:

Acts 7:54-8:4, Matthew 26:64, Mark 14:62, Luke 22:69, Luke 23:34 & 46,

John 12:24, 2 Corinthians 12:9

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q: Who have been some of the most inspiring examples of following Jesus for you? Why?

Q: How do the Scriptures/concepts from this week help you grow as a disciple who loves God, loves people & serves the world (lives on incarnational mission) in everyday life?

Q: Based on these Scriptures, how can you move from unbelief to belief, from just knowing to actually doing in your life?

Connect with God (UP)...

Q: Read Acts 7:55-56. Why is God’s glory such an important part of Stephen’s story, power & courage?

Q: How much does God’s glory influence your faith, everyday life & when you experience struggles?

Connect with Others(IN)...

Q: This is a seemingly obscure part of the story, but why do you think the apostles didn’t leave Jerusalem when persecution broke out?

Connect with the World (OUT)...

Q: Luke intentionally uses the word “scattered” when he describes what the Church did. What’s the difference between running away & hiding vs. dispersing as seeds to be planted?

Connect with the World (OUT)...

Q: How can we be living seeds of the Gospel instead of isolating ourselves from or being defensive towards the world around us?

ACTION STEPS:

1) Identify pains or struggles you’re currently facing & surrender it to Jesus

2) Examine where/who you are looking to for hope: how can God’s glory give you hope

3) Ask God how it can be a step in the discipleship process

4) Ask God how it can become a seed of the Gospel in world around you

NOTES & QUOTES:

“Followers of Jesus went out as victorious missionaries, not defeated refugees.”

“While suffering may be inevitable, God’s mission is unstoppable.” (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary)

“God is powerfully at work both when the sun shines brightly and when the dark clouds loom.”