Unstoppable - Discussion 6

The Unstoppable Church in the Book of Acts
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Unstoppable Boldness

Pray

Pray together for the group meeting, and any pressing needs within the group.

Review

Each week you’ll spend some time reviewing the previous week’s lesson. Did anything happen last week that brought the lesson to mind, and what did you learn from it?

Watch

NOTE: Because of the COVID season, there is no video for this discussion.

Read: Acts 4:1-3;13-20

  1. One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.
  2. Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc. We recommend using the YouVersion Bible app.

Retell

  1. One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…
  2. As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build the story. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.

Discuss

Together, share around the group how the topic and scripture setting applies to your life personally. Here are some thoughts to consider for discussion… don’t let the discussion stop here, though… what questions can you ask that will help uncover God’s message?

Before the Sanhedrin

  1. What city were the apostles in when they were brought before the Sanhedrin?
  2. Based on the scripture context, who were the Sanhedrin?
  3. How might it have been beneficial that the apostles stood before the Sanhedrin together?
  4. How many people were aware of the notable miracle the Apostles performed?

Persecuted for Christ’s Sake

  1. What was the case against the apostles? Was it justified?
  2. What were the apostles commanded not to do?
  3. Why were the Sanhedrin astonished that Peter and John were unschooled, ordinary men?
  4. What could have been the perceived threat of the Apostles teaching in the name of Jesus?
  5. Why were the Sanhedrin reluctant to punish the Apostles?

Unstoppable Boldness

  1. What argument did Peter and John make for Teaching/ Preaching the name of Jesus after they were told not to?
  2. How should we respond to adversity of persecution when working for God’s Kingdom?
  3. What negative responses or attitudes could the apostles have had in response to what they endured?
  4. What gave the Apostles the willpower to continue in the faith in spite of being persecuted?

Standing Firm in the Faith

  1. Think about a time when you stood up for something that was unpopular. Did you ultimately stand your ground or did you back down? Why?
  2. How is our ability to stand firm in the faith different, having not had the face to face experience with Jesus the apostles had?
  3. Knowing that Christ is the ultimate authority, what should be our response when we face persecution because of our faith in Jesus?
  4. What life experiences have you had that inspire bold faith in you?
  5. What hinders us from having bold faith?
  6. How can we find courage to share our faith even if it means being shamed or persecuted?

Next Week…

Unstoppable Reverence: Acts 4:32 – Acts 5:16