Bible Discussion 43: Church and Mission-Far
Bible Discussion 43: Church and Mission-Far Text: Acts 9: 1-11, 20 Purpose: To understand that God uses imperfect people to glorify Himself and create real purpose in their life. Opening Question: What is the farthest place from home you have ever traveled to? Read and Discuss: Acts 9:1 Paul, whose original name was Saul, was born in Tarsus what is now modern day Turkey. His parents were devout Pharisees who strictly followed the Law of Moses and were extremely protective of their kids’ exposure to Gentile culture. At the age of 13, Saul was sent to Palestine to learn from a rabbi named Gamailel. Saul went on to become a lawyer, which eventually led him to becoming a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court of 71 men who ruled over Jewish life and religion. Because of Saul’s extremism he was in opposition of Christians and was present at Stephens stoning and Peter’s flogging after he delivered his message to the Sanhedrin. Saul did not fully understand who Jesus was and was in opposition to God’s work through Christians. 1.
What were some of the hurdles you had with Christianity before becoming a Christian? (certain beliefs, bad church experiences, didn’t grow up going to church, turned off by Christians). How did God help you overcome those hurdles?
2. What are some of the ways that your beliefs, fears, or insecurities prevent you from being more involved in God’s work or from being too involved in God’s work? (not good enough, have a bad past, need to do more to feel approved by God, don’t believe God could ever use you effectively, etc) Read and Discuss: Acts 9:2 Saul became more determined to eradicate Christians and the message they were spreading. As Saul became more extreme in his pursuit of Christians he believed he was doing it in the name of God. Saul, was a religious terrorist who thought he was in the right by persecuting innocent people. Acts 8:3 says “He began ravaging the church by entering house after house, dragging off men and women and putting them in prison.” Here, Saul goes to the High Priest to request legal permission to continue to carry out his work against Christians and to be a disruption to God’s mission. 3. What are some ways that our personal wants, desires, thoughts, or differences can become a disruption to the advancement of the church? (difficulty following leaders, difference in strategy of mission, busyness, etc.) 4. How can we safe guard our hearts so that nothing becomes an obstacle for us in joining God’s work on this earth? (forgiveness of past hurts, become more a more agreeable person, become more involved in serving, pray for modern day religious terrorists, etc) Read and Discuss: Acts 9:3-11; 20 The pivotal point in Saul’s life came when he was traveling on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus to arrest and persecute Christians. On the road Saul was caught up in a bright light from heaven which caused him to fall face down on the ground. Jesus asked, “why are you persecuting me?” Saul has an extreme encounter and dialoged with Jesus that caused his life to turn upside down. Saul converts from being against Jesus to receiving Jesus and being filled with the Holy Spirit goes to synagogues to proclaim Jesus as the Son of God. 5. What are some of the ways that you can take the work of Jesus in us to others? What is your next step? (inviting friends and neighbors to church, going on a short term mission trip, leading in the church, serving in the church, etc)
What were some of the hurdles you had with Christianity before becoming a Christian? (certain beliefs, bad church experiences, didn’t grow up going to church, turned off by Christians). How did God help you overcome those hurdles?
2. What are some of the ways that your beliefs, fears, or insecurities prevent you from being more involved in God’s work or from being too involved in God’s work? (not good enough, have a bad past, need to do more to feel approved by God, don’t believe God could ever use you effectively, etc) Read and Discuss: Acts 9:2 Saul became more determined to eradicate Christians and the message they were spreading. As Saul became more extreme in his pursuit of Christians he believed he was doing it in the name of God. Saul, was a religious terrorist who thought he was in the right by persecuting innocent people. Acts 8:3 says “He began ravaging the church by entering house after house, dragging off men and women and putting them in prison.” Here, Saul goes to the High Priest to request legal permission to continue to carry out his work against Christians and to be a disruption to God’s mission. 3. What are some ways that our personal wants, desires, thoughts, or differences can become a disruption to the advancement of the church? (difficulty following leaders, difference in strategy of mission, busyness, etc.) 4. How can we safe guard our hearts so that nothing becomes an obstacle for us in joining God’s work on this earth? (forgiveness of past hurts, become more a more agreeable person, become more involved in serving, pray for modern day religious terrorists, etc) Read and Discuss: Acts 9:3-11; 20 The pivotal point in Saul’s life came when he was traveling on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus to arrest and persecute Christians. On the road Saul was caught up in a bright light from heaven which caused him to fall face down on the ground. Jesus asked, “why are you persecuting me?” Saul has an extreme encounter and dialoged with Jesus that caused his life to turn upside down. Saul converts from being against Jesus to receiving Jesus and being filled with the Holy Spirit goes to synagogues to proclaim Jesus as the Son of God. 5. What are some of the ways that you can take the work of Jesus in us to others? What is your next step? (inviting friends and neighbors to church, going on a short term mission trip, leading in the church, serving in the church, etc)
