Acts 18:1-17 Rev Ryan Laughlin

                                                   Sermon Discussion Questions 


      1) After reading over this section, how was Paul feeling going into Corinth? Also refer to 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. What helped Paul move forward with his ministry?

     2) What were some of the traits of the Corinthian culture at the time? What was a theme in Paul’s preaching to them?


    3) Quote from bulletin: “Christians must become impossible people-Christians with hearts that can melt with compassion, but with faces like flint and backbones of steel...without ever losing the gentleness, the mercy, the grace and the compassion of our Lord.” (Os Guinness) Is this quote encouraging? How do we live in this truth as believers, in a practical sense?

   4) When we are struggling with the pushback of our culture’s beliefs and behaviors, what are we quick to run to? What draws our allegiance? 

   5) What gospel truth can we rest in during this stressful time? What has brought you hope and encouragement?

The Relevant Gospel Acts 17:16-34 Rev. Greg Meyer

                             Sermon Discussion Question



   1) In this passage what are the three places that Paul visits in Athens? What is his strategy in sharing the gospel in these places? 

  2) How does Paul engage the folks at the Areopagus? What can we learn from him as we think about sharing the good news with others?

  3) Athens was the center of culture, but also the center of idols. How do we see Paul identifying the idols and investigating them? 

4) Sermon quote: “We need people who are different than us (culturally, generationally, socio-economically) to help expose our idols.” Discuss with the group. What is challenging about this? What is can we affirm about this?

5) How does Paul describe God in this passage? 

6) Idolatry causes us to want to achieve an identity for ourselves. Yet, in Christ, we are liberated from that burden of achieving. In Christ, we receive a new identity. Can you describe that new identity? How is this good news?

“The Disturbing, Disruptive, Durable Gospel” Acts 17:1-15 Rev. Chris Smith

                                              Sermon Discussion Questions


 1) After reading over this text again, how do we see the gospel message being “disturbing, disruptive and durable” in the passage?

2) Have you experienced the good news of the gospel being disruptive in your own life? Or does the message of the gospel tend to blend in with everything else?

3) Why were the crowds upset at Paul in verses 1-5?

4) What was the disposition of those who heard Paul’s message? What is our posture toward hearing the good news? Are we eager to listen and to examine the Word? What might stop us from having that posture?

5) Sermon quote: “Our problem with sin is so severe that it requires  the death of Jesus, which is the “disturbing” part of the gospel. Does that change how we live?” Discuss with your group.

“When Love Comes to Town” Acts 16:13-40 Rev. Chris Smith

                       


                                              Sermon Discussion Questions


    1) In this passage, we read about Paul and Silas and their continued efforts to spread the gospel. Who are the 3 people that God meets and uses to spread this good news? 

  2) What do we see Paul and Silas doing in this passage? How do they respond to the events in Acts 16?

  3) In this text, we see believers participating and engaging with others for the sake of the gospel. Sometimes we are disengaged or distracted from sharing the gospel. What causes us to be disengaged?

   4) When we find ourselves tempted to disengage with relationships around us, what are we quick to run to to repair it? How do we battle our cynicism?

   5) What does hospitality look like in this passage? How can the love of Christ change us?