Sermon Big Idea: The Message of Jesus breaks down our individual barriers to faith, then unites us together into one family of faith.

Sermon Study Guide:

LET’S CHECK IN:

1. Briefly share: over the last week, what’s one way you’ve noticed God working in your life? Or in the lives of others? In your community? In the world? Or share something that happened in the last week you are grateful for!

LET’S DIVE IN!

2. First, read together Acts 15:36-16:10. Think back to the message and the main idea: The message of Jesus breaks down our individual barriers to faith, then unites us together into one family of faith.

Was there an idea or aspect of the text spoke to you? Was there anything said that challenged, intrigued or confused you that you want to explore more? Listen to each other, but don’t feel the need to answer a person’s question.

3. What does the story of Lydia's conversion teach us about God's work in opening hearts to the gospel?  How does Luke emphasize God as the active agent in bringing believers to faith in Christ? Can you think of other passages that explain the human aspect in our decision to turn to Christ? (consider Acts 3:19; Romans 10:9-15). How does the human and divine aspects work together in salvation?

4. What does Paul’s power encounter with the demon-possessed girl show us about the power and authority of Christ? How is the concept of spiritual bondage illustrated in this conversion story? Are there any ways you can become more aware and discerning when you meet people who possibly may be in spiritual bondage? (Consider Eph. 6:10-20).

5. Paul and Silas’ response of joy in the face of suffering compelled the jailer to ask about salvation. In what way are you walking through any trials right now? How have you considered that non-Christians around you may be watching how you handle them? How might this become a witness to them and become an opportunity to share the gospel?

6. Describe how Paul used his Roman citizenship against the magistrates to his own advantage? Consider this would only help the church in its early days have a stronger witness in the community in the sense they honored the rule of law. How can honoring the rule of law today help our witness in society? In what ways?

7. The new church in Phillippi started with unlikely people with very different backgrounds. When churches include a wide range of people from all walks of life, how does this reinforce the message of the gospel? What message can it send to the community and society around us?

 WHAT'S YOUR NEXT STEP?

8. In light of this study, share and write down one next action step you feel God is leading you to take in the next week?

(Consider areas: a temptation to avoid? Promise to claim? Example to follow? Command to obey? Person to move toward? A new discipline to develop that will help you love God with your heart, soul, mind, strength and to love others?)