TODAY:

Acts 11:19-30 | Built For Mission

BIG IDEA:

We are built for mission & Jesus calls us to be courageous, unified & deeply rooted

SCRIPTURES:

Acts 11:19-30, Acts 8:1&4, 1 Peter 4:12-16, John 13:35

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q: What are some nicknames you’ve gotten over your life? Where did they come from? How did you handle them?

Q: If you were to describe your “life mission” to someone, how would you describe it?

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 11:19-30. In v23 it says Barnabas “saw what the grace of God had done”. Why is the grace of God the only foundation we can build our lives, identity, purpose, mission, church, family, etc. on? What happens if we try to build on any other foundation?

Q: The term “Christians” was originally a slam & taunt. Why do you think Jesus’ followers turned it around to something that would thrive for the next 2,000+ years?

Connect with Others(IN)...

Q: In v27-30 we see a great example of solidarity amongst churches within the Church instead of competition (even though the Gentiles could have been upset with the “insiders”!). What can we learn from this for today & how can we take action on it?

Q: What do you see driving wedges & disunity between Christian churches today?

Connect with the World (OUT)...

Q: The Christians were spreading the seeds of the Gospel everywhere they went, even in the darkness & brokenness of Antioch...and it thrived! What are some areas that you’re fearful or even hateful about that are actually areas of soil that need seeds of the Gospel of Jesus’ grace? How can you be courageous & trust Jesus to use you to be the one to sow those seeds?

ACTION STEPS:

1) Ask Jesus to show you one way that you can grow in your courage, unity & deep-rootedness this week & take action on each one!

NOTES & QUOTES:

“It is not strength that overcomes darkness, but light.” (Lord Celebrimbor, “Rings of Power”)

“Barnabas is not satisfied merely with seeing conversions; he wants to see the converted become disciples.” (Acts For You)

“Only God’s grace keeps us from reducing our lives to a pursuit of our own comfort, pleasure, and glory...God’s grace was never intended to stop with us...Embedded in the gift of God’s grace is a call to live as His evangelists (missionaries).” (Paul David Tripp, Everyday Gospel)