Unstoppable Spread
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 8:1-8
- 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?
The Scattered Church
- What caused the church to be scattered?
- Where were they scattered to?
- According to Acts 1:8 should the church go to Judea and Samaria?
- What was Saul doing? What was he trying to do?
Philip in Samaria
- What did Philip preach in Samaria?
- What did Philip do in Samaria?
- What was the reaction of the city to his preaching?
- Was Philip the only one who was scattered preaching? (Acts 8:4)
- What is the most christian response to any persecution?
Fanning the flames
- Why did the great persecution (Acts 8:1) and Saul’s efforts (Acts 8:3) fail?
- According to Acts 1:8 was it God’s intention that the church should spread?
- If you had been in the church in Jerusalem how would you have felt about the persecution?
- What challenges do we face today as Christians?
Fuel to the fire
- Do the challenges that the church faces today help us spread the Gospel? Why or why not?
- What challenges do you face? How could they be used by God to spread the Gospel?
- Do we have to view troubles and challenges as bad things?
- How do I need to order my life to see the worst of life as tools in God’s hands?
Next Week…
Unstoppable Reverence: Acts 4:32 – Acts 5:16