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Southside Church of Christ, Lexington, KY
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ACTS 28:23-31
23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law and from the Prophets. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet: 26 " 'Go to this people and say, "You will be ever seeing but never perceiving." 27 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' 28 "Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!" 30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in hi sown rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law and from the Prophets. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet: 26 " 'Go to this people and say, "You will be ever seeing but never perceiving." 27 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' 28 "Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!" 30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in hi sown rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
FROM THE LESSON
Paul's Journey to Rome:
The Storm - Acts 27:20 - "When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved."
The Shipwreck - Acts 27:41 - "But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf."
The Snake Bite - Acts 28:3 - "Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand."
Acts 28:31 (literal translation):
"proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness unhinderedly."
Conclusion to the book of Acts:
1 The book of Acts encourages us to have an unhindered faith.
2 The book of Acts reminds us that we have an unhindered gospel.
3 The book of Acts calls us to be an unhindered church.
Paul's Journey to Rome:
The Storm - Acts 27:20 - "When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved."
The Shipwreck - Acts 27:41 - "But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf."
The Snake Bite - Acts 28:3 - "Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand."
Acts 28:31 (literal translation):
"proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness unhinderedly."
Conclusion to the book of Acts:
1 The book of Acts encourages us to have an unhindered faith.
2 The book of Acts reminds us that we have an unhindered gospel.
3 The book of Acts calls us to be an unhindered church.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 Have you ever had a difficult experience on a boat? Describe the situation to your group. Which part of Paul's journey to Rome would have been the most difficult for you: the storm, the shipwreck, or the snake bite? Why?
2 Paul's circumstances hindered his abilities, but they did not hinder his faith. I used this point to encourage my parents this week, how does it encourage you in your faith journey? Can you think of an example in your life?
3 In 2 Timothy 2:7, Paul wrote, "And because I preach this good news, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained." He wrote these words right before he was executed. Discuss this important reminder with your group.
4 One author writes, "The abrupt ending leaves us with the challenge and the opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to write the next chapter in the book of Acts today in and through us." How might we live unhinderedly as followers of Jesus today?
1 Have you ever had a difficult experience on a boat? Describe the situation to your group. Which part of Paul's journey to Rome would have been the most difficult for you: the storm, the shipwreck, or the snake bite? Why?
2 Paul's circumstances hindered his abilities, but they did not hinder his faith. I used this point to encourage my parents this week, how does it encourage you in your faith journey? Can you think of an example in your life?
3 In 2 Timothy 2:7, Paul wrote, "And because I preach this good news, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained." He wrote these words right before he was executed. Discuss this important reminder with your group.
4 One author writes, "The abrupt ending leaves us with the challenge and the opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to write the next chapter in the book of Acts today in and through us." How might we live unhinderedly as followers of Jesus today?
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
ACTS 26:24-32
24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." 25 "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" 29 Paul replied, "Short time or long - I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." 30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 They left the room, and while talking with one another, they said, "This man is n o doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment." 32 Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."
24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." 25 "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" 29 Paul replied, "Short time or long - I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." 30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 They left the room, and while talking with one another, they said, "This man is n o doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment." 32 Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."
FROM THE LESSON
The Herod Dynasty and the New Testament Timeline:
Herod the Great - he tried to kill Jesus at his birth and had all of the boys in Bethlehem under the age of two killed.
Herod Antipas - he beheaded John the Baptist and mocked and ridiculed Jesus on the morning of his crucifixion.
Herod Agrippa I - he beheaded the apostle James, the brother of John
Herod Agrippa II - Paul was a witness to him in Acts 26
Three Aspects of Paul's Witness:
1 His witness was to all people - small and great (verse 22).
2 His witness was persuasive - true and reasonable (verse 25).
3 His witness was patient - short or long (verse 29).
The Herod Dynasty and the New Testament Timeline:
Herod the Great - he tried to kill Jesus at his birth and had all of the boys in Bethlehem under the age of two killed.
Herod Antipas - he beheaded John the Baptist and mocked and ridiculed Jesus on the morning of his crucifixion.
Herod Agrippa I - he beheaded the apostle James, the brother of John
Herod Agrippa II - Paul was a witness to him in Acts 26
Three Aspects of Paul's Witness:
1 His witness was to all people - small and great (verse 22).
2 His witness was persuasive - true and reasonable (verse 25).
3 His witness was patient - short or long (verse 29).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 The witness of Paul to Herod Agrippa II after all the Herod dynasty had done during the New Testament is an amazing testimony to the grace of God. What is your response to this example?
2 Whether great or small, how does the message to use every opportunity to be a witness encourage you? Can you think of a small way you could be a witness this week?
3 Our witness is persuasive because it is true and reasonable. It does not depend on you being a great storyteller or a good communicator. It does not depend on your personality or your charisma. How does this important aspect of our witness encourage you?
4 What do you think about our witness being compared to seed planting? Discuss the role of prayer in the life of a witness. Spend time at the conclusion of your meeting praying specifically for people who you have been a witness.
1 The witness of Paul to Herod Agrippa II after all the Herod dynasty had done during the New Testament is an amazing testimony to the grace of God. What is your response to this example?
2 Whether great or small, how does the message to use every opportunity to be a witness encourage you? Can you think of a small way you could be a witness this week?
3 Our witness is persuasive because it is true and reasonable. It does not depend on you being a great storyteller or a good communicator. It does not depend on your personality or your charisma. How does this important aspect of our witness encourage you?
4 What do you think about our witness being compared to seed planting? Discuss the role of prayer in the life of a witness. Spend time at the conclusion of your meeting praying specifically for people who you have been a witness.
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
ACTS 26:19-23
19 "So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. 21 That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22 But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen - 23 that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles."
19 "So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. 21 That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22 But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen - 23 that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles."
FROM THE LESSON
The three realities of the resurrection:
1 Hope fulfilled - verses 4-11
2 Light revealed - verses 12-18
3 Kingdom arrived - verses 19-23
The three defining characteristics of the kingdom:
1 It's a kingdom of obedience - verse 19
Paul is both a Jew and Roman citizen by birth, but first and foremost, he is a citizen of the kingdom of heaven by rebirth.
Philippians 3:20 "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior who is from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
2 It's a kingdom of repentance - verse 20
Paul preached that they should repent (change their minds) and turn to God (change their direction) and prove their repentance by their deeds (change their behavior).
The Greek word translated prove is also translated "to practice, to exercise, to perform habitually and repeatedly."
3 It's a kingdom of unity - verses 21-23
Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you: and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
This is not just a geographical outline for the book of Acts, but it is also God's blueprint for uniting all of His people into one kingdom.
The three realities of the resurrection:
1 Hope fulfilled - verses 4-11
2 Light revealed - verses 12-18
3 Kingdom arrived - verses 19-23
The three defining characteristics of the kingdom:
1 It's a kingdom of obedience - verse 19
Paul is both a Jew and Roman citizen by birth, but first and foremost, he is a citizen of the kingdom of heaven by rebirth.
Philippians 3:20 "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior who is from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
2 It's a kingdom of repentance - verse 20
Paul preached that they should repent (change their minds) and turn to God (change their direction) and prove their repentance by their deeds (change their behavior).
The Greek word translated prove is also translated "to practice, to exercise, to perform habitually and repeatedly."
3 It's a kingdom of unity - verses 21-23
Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you: and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
This is not just a geographical outline for the book of Acts, but it is also God's blueprint for uniting all of His people into one kingdom.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 Paul says that our citizenship is in heaven. What does it mean for you to live as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven?
2 The primary desire of the heart for a citizen of the kingdom of God is obedience to the words of King Jesus. You know conversion has occurred when obedience is no longer something you have to do, but something you get to do. How have you experienced this kind of kingdom conversion in your life?
3 The lesson looked at three parts to kingdom repentance. There is a change of mind, a change of direction, and a change of behavior. Repentance means a great deal more than just "turning around." Which one of these three parts helped you most in your understanding of repentance?
4 Have you ever been part of a movement that purposefully worked to unite different cultures or people groups? What was that like? How could we as citizens of the kingdom of God be more purposeful in living into the "sneak peak" of Revelation 7:9-10?
1 Paul says that our citizenship is in heaven. What does it mean for you to live as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven?
2 The primary desire of the heart for a citizen of the kingdom of God is obedience to the words of King Jesus. You know conversion has occurred when obedience is no longer something you have to do, but something you get to do. How have you experienced this kind of kingdom conversion in your life?
3 The lesson looked at three parts to kingdom repentance. There is a change of mind, a change of direction, and a change of behavior. Repentance means a great deal more than just "turning around." Which one of these three parts helped you most in your understanding of repentance?
4 Have you ever been part of a movement that purposefully worked to unite different cultures or people groups? What was that like? How could we as citizens of the kingdom of God be more purposeful in living into the "sneak peak" of Revelation 7:9-10?
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Monday Oct 21, 2024
REVELATION 17:1-6
17 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. 2 With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.”
3 Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. 5 The name written on her forehead was a mystery:
BABYLON THE GREAT
THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES
AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH
17 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. 2 With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.”
3 Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. 5 The name written on her forehead was a mystery:
BABYLON THE GREAT
THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES
AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH
6 I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What are some examples of "drinking the kool aid" in our culture?
- Why do you think people can be so strongly influenced by the culture around them?
- The image of Babylon John sees is very striking. Why do you think he is shown Babylon in this way?
- Jeremy mentioned 4 values of Babylon - Pride, Power, Pleasure, and Progress. Where do you see these values in our culture today?
- In Revelation 18, God's people are urged to "come out" of Babylon. What might that look like for God's people today?
Monday Oct 14, 2024
Monday Oct 14, 2024
PSALM 40:1-5
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. 4 Blessed is the man who the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. 5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. 4 Blessed is the man who the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. 5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 What do you think about the messiness of the Isaac - Rebekah, Jacob - Esau, Jacob - Laban, Rachel - Leah saga? Why does God continually seem to find people's lives to highlight which would make for a good Jerry Springer episode? Thinking about some of the messes in your life, how can you relate to the hope found in Psalm 40:1-5?
1 What do you think about the messiness of the Isaac - Rebekah, Jacob - Esau, Jacob - Laban, Rachel - Leah saga? Why does God continually seem to find people's lives to highlight which would make for a good Jerry Springer episode? Thinking about some of the messes in your life, how can you relate to the hope found in Psalm 40:1-5?
2 Review all of the deception found in Genesis 25-31. Among all this deception, who, if anyone, do you think felt a sense of belonging? Where have you found a place to belong? How can you relate to being viewed as "not Esau" or "not Rachel"?
3 "God can't bless who you pretend to be." What do you think about that statement?How have you learned the truth of that statement?
4 "Life is full of let-downs." What are the let-downs you've experienced which have hit you pretty hard? Describe one of your - "When morning came - there was Leah" type moments.
5 "Regardless of how big of a mess we make, God's good and gracious will shall be accomplished." How have you seen this to be true? When have you been amazed at what God does with the glorious mess you made?
6 Describe the encouragement you receive from what emerges when you overlay the hope in Psalm 40:1-5 on top of the three statements above.
Sunday Oct 06, 2024
Sunday Oct 06, 2024
ACTS 26:1-15
1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." So Pail motioned with his hand and began his defense: 2 "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently. 4 The Jews all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that according to the strictest set of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today. 7 This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. O king, it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me. 8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? 9 I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. 12 On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 15 Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied."
1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." So Pail motioned with his hand and began his defense: 2 "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently. 4 The Jews all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that according to the strictest set of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today. 7 This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. O king, it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me. 8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? 9 I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. 12 On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 15 Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied."
FROM THE LESSON
The Herodian Dynasty - it lasted for four generations and was an opponent of Jesus and his movement all throughout the New Testament. It started with Herod the Great who had tried to destroy the infant Jesus. His son, Herod Antipas, was the one who had John the Baptist beheaded. His son, Herod Agrippa, was the one who had James put to death with the sword in Acts 12. His son, Herod Agrippa II, was the one who Paul stands before in Acts 26.
Paul's Speech Before Agrippa II - it is Paul's last and longest speech in the book of Acts. It begins in verse 2 and lasts through verse 23. It is the third time the reader of Acts hears the story of Jesus' appearance to Paul on the road to Damascus. The other two times are in Acts 9 and in Acts 22.
Conversion Story - "the language of conversion may be misleading because at no point did Paul waver in his belief that the God of Abraham was and is the true God, the one and only creator God. Paul didn't change Gods. And from his point of view, he didn't even change religions." (NT Wright)
Hope of Israel - Paul preached that the hope of Israel has been fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection fulfills Paul's hope in God in three ways:
1 Hope is rooted in resurrection promise.
2 Hope is renewed in resurrection praise.
3 Hope is realized in resurrection practice.
The Herodian Dynasty - it lasted for four generations and was an opponent of Jesus and his movement all throughout the New Testament. It started with Herod the Great who had tried to destroy the infant Jesus. His son, Herod Antipas, was the one who had John the Baptist beheaded. His son, Herod Agrippa, was the one who had James put to death with the sword in Acts 12. His son, Herod Agrippa II, was the one who Paul stands before in Acts 26.
Paul's Speech Before Agrippa II - it is Paul's last and longest speech in the book of Acts. It begins in verse 2 and lasts through verse 23. It is the third time the reader of Acts hears the story of Jesus' appearance to Paul on the road to Damascus. The other two times are in Acts 9 and in Acts 22.
Conversion Story - "the language of conversion may be misleading because at no point did Paul waver in his belief that the God of Abraham was and is the true God, the one and only creator God. Paul didn't change Gods. And from his point of view, he didn't even change religions." (NT Wright)
Hope of Israel - Paul preached that the hope of Israel has been fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection fulfills Paul's hope in God in three ways:
1 Hope is rooted in resurrection promise.
2 Hope is renewed in resurrection praise.
3 Hope is realized in resurrection practice.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 How would you define hope? How is biblical hope different from the way hope is used in our everyday language?
2 Hope is rooted in resurrection promise. Read Acts 26:6. Discuss what it means for our hope to be rooted in the promises of God.
3 Hope is renewed in resurrection praise. Can you remember a time when your hope was renewed through worship? Share the story with your group.
4 Hope is realized in resurrection practice. Can you remember a time when something that you desperately hoped for was actually realized? Share with your group. How did it make you feel? How did it affect the way you live? Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we have a realized hope. How does the resurrection of Jesus Christ transform the way we hope?
1 How would you define hope? How is biblical hope different from the way hope is used in our everyday language?
2 Hope is rooted in resurrection promise. Read Acts 26:6. Discuss what it means for our hope to be rooted in the promises of God.
3 Hope is renewed in resurrection praise. Can you remember a time when your hope was renewed through worship? Share the story with your group.
4 Hope is realized in resurrection practice. Can you remember a time when something that you desperately hoped for was actually realized? Share with your group. How did it make you feel? How did it affect the way you live? Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we have a realized hope. How does the resurrection of Jesus Christ transform the way we hope?
Sunday Sep 29, 2024
Sunday Sep 29, 2024
ACTS 25:13-22
13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. 14 Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul's case with the king. He said: "There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. 15 When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned. 16 I told him that it is not the Roman custom to hand over any man before he has faced his accusers and has had an opportunity to defend himself against their charges. 17 When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. 20 I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. 21 When Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar. 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear this man myself." He replied, "Tomorrow you will hear him."
13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. 14 Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul's case with the king. He said: "There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. 15 When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned. 16 I told him that it is not the Roman custom to hand over any man before he has faced his accusers and has had an opportunity to defend himself against their charges. 17 When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. 20 I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. 21 When Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar. 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear this man myself." He replied, "Tomorrow you will hear him."
FROM THE LESSON
Resurrection Responses:
Response 1: Curious non-believers
Example of this response is Felix
He had a genuine curiosity but no belief because of his complacency.
Response 2: Confused non-believers
Example of this response is Festus
He had a general confusion about belief caused by religion and disagreements.
Response 3: Cultural believers
Example of this response is the Sadducees
They had a belief in God but were greatly influenced by culture.
Response 4: Correct believers
Example of this response is the Pharisees
They had a belief in God but were overly concerned with being correct.
Response 5: Changed believers
Example of this response is Paul
He had a belief in God and was forever changed by the resurrection of Jesus.
Resurrection Responses:
Response 1: Curious non-believers
Example of this response is Felix
He had a genuine curiosity but no belief because of his complacency.
Response 2: Confused non-believers
Example of this response is Festus
He had a general confusion about belief caused by religion and disagreements.
Response 3: Cultural believers
Example of this response is the Sadducees
They had a belief in God but were greatly influenced by culture.
Response 4: Correct believers
Example of this response is the Pharisees
They had a belief in God but were overly concerned with being correct.
Response 5: Changed believers
Example of this response is Paul
He had a belief in God and was forever changed by the resurrection of Jesus.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 Which one of the five responses to the resurrection did you think about the most this morning? Why? Can you think of some other common responses to the witness of the risen Jesus?
2 When someone is genuinely curious about Jesus, what are some of the obstacles that keep them from coming to faith in Him?
3 Have you seen disagreements about religion add confusion to our primary witness? How can you keep this from happening in your own life? How can the church keep our primary witness primary?
4 Have you heard the term cultural Christian? In what ways? Talk about how one can make Christianity more about a portrayal than an actual practice.
5 Have you ever been so overly concerned about getting things correct that you have missed Christ? What are the essentials for you when it come to faith in Jesus Christ?
6 How has the gospel of Jesus Christ changed your life? Each person share at least one way your life is different because of your belief in the risen Jesus.
1 Which one of the five responses to the resurrection did you think about the most this morning? Why? Can you think of some other common responses to the witness of the risen Jesus?
2 When someone is genuinely curious about Jesus, what are some of the obstacles that keep them from coming to faith in Him?
3 Have you seen disagreements about religion add confusion to our primary witness? How can you keep this from happening in your own life? How can the church keep our primary witness primary?
4 Have you heard the term cultural Christian? In what ways? Talk about how one can make Christianity more about a portrayal than an actual practice.
5 Have you ever been so overly concerned about getting things correct that you have missed Christ? What are the essentials for you when it come to faith in Jesus Christ?
6 How has the gospel of Jesus Christ changed your life? Each person share at least one way your life is different because of your belief in the risen Jesus.
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
ACTS 24:22-27
22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. "When Lysias the commander comes," he said, "I will decide your case." 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs. 24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. 27 Two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but Felix because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. "When Lysias the commander comes," he said, "I will decide your case." 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs. 24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. 27 Two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but Felix because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
FROM THE LESSON
Felix the Governor:
The Roman historian, Tacitus wrote about Felix that he “practiced every kind of cruelty and lust, wielding the power of a king with all the instincts of a slave.”
Drusilla the Jewess:
Her mother was a Jew, however her father was Herod Agrippa, the one who killed the apostle James, the brother of John in Acts 12. Her great-uncle was the one who had John the Baptist beheaded, and her great-grandfather was the one who had tried to kill Jesus in Bethlehem.
Three Reasons for Faith in Christ Jesus:
1 Because of righteousness
What are you going to do about yesterday's sin?
The answer is to have faith in Christ Jesus as your Savior.
The answer is to trust Him with your past.
2 Because of self-control
What are you going to do about today's struggles?
The answer is to have faith in Christ Jesus as your Lord.
The answer is to trust Him with your present.
3 Because of the judgment to come
What are you going to do about tomorrow's scenarios?
The answer is to have faith in Christ Jesus as your Judge.
The answer is to trust Him with your future.
Felix the Governor:
The Roman historian, Tacitus wrote about Felix that he “practiced every kind of cruelty and lust, wielding the power of a king with all the instincts of a slave.”
Drusilla the Jewess:
Her mother was a Jew, however her father was Herod Agrippa, the one who killed the apostle James, the brother of John in Acts 12. Her great-uncle was the one who had John the Baptist beheaded, and her great-grandfather was the one who had tried to kill Jesus in Bethlehem.
Three Reasons for Faith in Christ Jesus:
1 Because of righteousness
What are you going to do about yesterday's sin?
The answer is to have faith in Christ Jesus as your Savior.
The answer is to trust Him with your past.
2 Because of self-control
What are you going to do about today's struggles?
The answer is to have faith in Christ Jesus as your Lord.
The answer is to trust Him with your present.
3 Because of the judgment to come
What are you going to do about tomorrow's scenarios?
The answer is to have faith in Christ Jesus as your Judge.
The answer is to trust Him with your future.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 If someone had asked you last week to give them a compelling reason as to why you have faith in Christ Jesus, how would you have answered the question?
2 Discuss with your group the deal of eternity: the exchange of your sin for His righteousness. How does the reality of this exchange transform the way you live?
3 The only way to have self-control is to be under His control. Discuss the importance of relying on the Lord through the Holy Spirit when life seems out of control.
Are you going through any struggles today that the group can be praying about? Share with the group.
4 Do you worry or get anxious about the future? What kinds of things do you worry about? We often talk about having faith in Jesus as our Savior and Lord, but what do you think about having faith in Him as your Judge?
5 The answer to all three faith questions is to have faith in the person of Jesus Christ. Which of the three do you find most difficult: to trust Him with your past, your present, or your future? Why?
1 If someone had asked you last week to give them a compelling reason as to why you have faith in Christ Jesus, how would you have answered the question?
2 Discuss with your group the deal of eternity: the exchange of your sin for His righteousness. How does the reality of this exchange transform the way you live?
3 The only way to have self-control is to be under His control. Discuss the importance of relying on the Lord through the Holy Spirit when life seems out of control.
Are you going through any struggles today that the group can be praying about? Share with the group.
4 Do you worry or get anxious about the future? What kinds of things do you worry about? We often talk about having faith in Jesus as our Savior and Lord, but what do you think about having faith in Him as your Judge?
5 The answer to all three faith questions is to have faith in the person of Jesus Christ. Which of the three do you find most difficult: to trust Him with your past, your present, or your future? Why?
Sunday Sep 15, 2024