Unstoppable Revival
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
Watch the following discussion-starter video. It’ll set the topic of discussion for the group.
Read: Acts 8:3-13
- One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.
- 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
- One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…
- 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?
Vs. 3-4 – The “Scattering!”
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- When something is “scattered” such as seeds, what is the deeper process that happens than just what is seen on the surface?
- What is the importance of the “deeper process”?
- What do you think the word “scattered” means in the context used in vs. 4?
- At the beginning of our scripture setting, does it appear that the persecution that was happening to God’s people could be a part of a bigger plan? Why or why not?
- What was the result of the scattering of the Christians?
Vs. 5-8 – Philip brings the gospel to the Samaritans!
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- What type of environment did Philip find in Samaria?
- What was happening to let us know that the Samaritans were receptive to what Philip had to say?
- Why was it important that the “scattering” led Philip to Samaria?
- How can we relate to the Samaritans today?
Vs. 9-13 – Simon the Sorcerer!
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- What kind of person was Simon the Sorcerer?
- How were the Samaritan people impacted by him?
- Was Simon “real?” Explain.
- What traits mark a “real” believer of God vs. one who is not truly a believer, yet putting on the appearance that they are Godly?
- What does this setting tell us of how Phillip’s preaching affected Simon?
Self-Evaluation!
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- How can I take persecution and turn it around to where I am revived in Christ?
- What new understanding can I gain about myself when growing in God through persecution?
- How can I be a catalyst to ignite revival even in the midst of persecution?
- Using the example of the early believers and how they overcame persecution, what does this teach us we should do today?
Next Week…
Unstoppable Proof: Acts 8:14-25