Acts Week Twenty One


[PDF]Acts Week Twenty One - Rackcdn.comhttps://d6f80df0f74c009464c9-d6b060a1abde071202f580faafb27b4b.ssl.cf2.rackcdn...

0 downloads 160 Views 81KB Size

SENT: Week 21 – Antioch Open in Prayer W elcom e/Introductions/Cast Vision Rem ind the Grow Group of the ground rules Share background for the story [Provide context by sharing what comes before the story.] The final scene of the Cornelius narrative takes place in Jerusalem, where some of Peter’s fellow Jewish Christians questioned his acceptance of the Gentiles. Peter defended his action by retelling the events of the Gentile conversions with an emphasis on God’s leading. With the establishing of a church at Antioch and their outreach to Gentiles, the focus in Acts shifts to that congregation. Tell the story – this week’s passage is Acts 11:19-30 [Have someone tell the story.] Rebuild the story [Group members tell the story together based on what they remember.] Read the story out loud [Read the scripture passage to see if anything was added or omitted.] Discuss these questions:

1. What do we learn about God from this passage? [God used persecution to send disciples and the gospel to new regions; the expansion of the church comes about only by God’s power and not by human wisdom and skill (v 21); Jesus is Lord; God brings people into our lives to encourage and challenge us at just the right time (v 23); God calls us to be generous and willing to share our resources with others; God draws people to repentance; God alone transforms the hearts and lives of people; etc.]

2. What do we learn about Man/Us from this passage? [I must discipline myself to abide in my personal relationship with Jesus; God has called me to be a disciple maker (v 26); I must submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit; I can be selfish with my resources; I look to money to serve as my security; I can struggle with thoughts of prejudice toward others; I don’t want to leave my “comfort zone” when sharing the gospel with others; without faith, it is impossible for my life to please God; etc.]

3. What is God saying to you specifically through this passage as it pertains to your life, marriage, family, and work? 4. What is God leading you to do? Other Q uestions specific to this passage:

1. With whom is God leading you to come alongside and encourage? 2. What is your “comfort zone” that the Lord wants you to leave? Assign next week’s passage – Acts 12:1-19 [Ask someone to tell the story next week.] Close in Prayer

Sent: Week 21 – Leadership Coaching The purpose of this page is to help you sharpen your skills as a Grow Group Leader. Each week, we will include concepts, challenges, and resources designed to assist you as you lead and shepherd your Grow Group and grow as a disciple yourself.

Leading [learn to facilitate your group more effectively] A great way to read and hear the story is with the YouVersion app on your phone or tablet (or bible.com on your computer). Let that software read those verses to you while you drive to work, wait in carpool line, or fold clothes. You can also read it with your kids!

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] Challenge your group members to evaluate their busy lives. Ask questions like: o When was the last time you sat down as a family for dinner? o Are you having regular date nights with your spouse? o What was the last meaningful conversation you had with one of your kids? o How much time do you spend alone with God each day? Encourage your group members to make space for God in their lives. Ask questions like: o What needs to change in your schedule and/or priorities to make some of these things happen? o Who can you trade babysitting with to insure a regular date night? o What would it look like if each child participated in one less activity? o Would you consider waking up 30 minutes earlier?

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] It’s important to always remember that your family is your first priority in disciple making. A great way to start a gospel-centered conversation in your home can be by asking questions at the dinner table. Something as simple as “name something good that happened in your day” can be a door for you to give God the glory and talk about His activity in your life.