Unstoppable Purpose

Pray

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

If any groups attendees have kids that need a wholesome distraction during the discussion here is a YouTube channel with many great Pentecostal videos for kids.

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 15:36-41

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?

What is the setting?

• Who is present at the start of our scripture setting?
• What about this first verse would indicate that these two ministers may have been close?
• <<Name an occasion where you were with someone in doing a work for the Lord — What was the outcome?>>
• Name some benefits of Paul and Barnabas in being together.

What is the situation – what is going on?

• In verse 36, what was it that Paul & Barnabas were desiring to do?
• Were they “Initially” in agreement with what they should do next? Elaborate on your answer.
• What was their disagreement about? Was it in any way connected to the doctrine or to salvation? Explain.
• What was the reason why Paul did not want to take John Mark with them?
• How would you describe the personalities of both men?
• <<How would you have felt about doing some ministry for the Lord with John Mark if he had previously deserted you?>>

What is the takeaway – what can we learn about this situation?

• Would you side more with Paul or with Barnabas? Why?
• Did the disagreement harm how others viewed them? Give reasons for your answer.
• Do you think there could have been a better way for either man to handle their difference of opinion?
• How did Paul proceed in what happened next? How did Barnabas proceed?
• <<How did Paul and Barnabas continue to minister for the Lord after their strong disagreement? Why do you think their ministry was still effective?>>

What is the application- how can we apply this to our lives?

• Describe a time that you had a different opinion with someone, yet you both left smiling.
• What are some key points to keep a good relationship with someone even with differing opinions?
• What can we learn from the situation with Paul and Barnabas?
• How does the way I respond to someone who has a different opinion affect those around me?
• <<Explain how you can be an effective witness for God if you have a different opinion than someone else.>>

Next Week:  Unstoppable Guidance Acts 16:6-15 

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