TODAY:

Acts 9:19b-31 | Complete U-Turn

BIG IDEA:

Salvation comes only from Jesus & His grace – and it results in a radical change of identity, direction & purpose

SCRIPTURES:

Acts 9:19b-31, Acts 4:36

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q: Have you ever tried to overcome a bad reputation? How did it work out?

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: Why is having a “highly exalted Christology” (high understanding of the identity & work of Jesus) so important?

Q: What are the dangers of either minimizing Jesus &/or exalting ourselves?

Q: What was it about Saul’s understanding of & experience with Jesus that made him so fearless & relentless?

Connect with Others(IN)...

Q: Put yourself in the Jesus followers’ shoes in both Damascus & Jerusalem! How did they overcome their resistance & fear of Saul?

Q: Why is the example of Barnabas (just like Ananias) so important for us as a church as we practice discipleship?(Took, Brought, Told)

Connect with the World (OUT)...

Q: Saul could have started his ministry by focusing on anything – why do you think he began with Jesus as God the Son & Messiah?

Q: How does Saul’s personal experience with Jesus & deep Scriptural understanding give legitimacy to what he was telling others?

ACTION STEPS:

1) If you’re a follower of Jesus, look for ways to be a “Barnabas” to a new believer (discipleship).

2) If you’re a follower of Jesus, ask the Spirit to stir up in you a passion to share Jesus’ grace with someone this week (evangelism).

3) If you aren’t a follower of Jesus yet, ask Him for an encounter with Him (salvation)!

NOTES & QUOTES:

1) Salvation comes only from an _____________________ with ____________

2) Salvation is ______________ & __________________ by Jesus’_____________

3) Salvation changes our identity, direction & purpose from being in ___________________to Jesus, to being His _______________ & _______________

“Saul took some time (3 years) to learn about Jesus before beginning his world wide ministry, but he did not wait to witness. Although we should not rush into a ministry role unprepared, we do not need to wait before telling others about what Jesus has done for us.” (Life Application Study Bible)