“The Risks We Take For Love” Acts 21:10-36 Rev. Ryan Laughlin

   




                                                       Sermon Discussion Questions


 1) After reading over the passage, what was Paul’s message and reason for traveling to Jerusalem?

 2) How do we see Paul taking risks for love of the poor, the Church and Christ in this reading?

3) Bulletin quote: “Much of the Christian spiritual life is learning daily how to warm yourself at the fire of God’s love, instead of having to steal self love and acceptance from other sources.” (Richard Lovelace) What are some ways you have learned to “warm yourself by the fire” of God’s love? Have they been encouraging to you?

4) What are some practical ways we live out this “risk-taking” love currently?

5) If you were to describe the Christian’s main calling in life, what would you say? How does the love of Christ and for our neighbors inform your description?

“What’s Your Legacy?” Acts 20:17-38

                                                  Sermon Discussion Questions


   1) Looking over this passage, what does Paul focus on? how does he wants to be remembered? What does Paul mention about the Holy Spirit in this passage?

    2) What does Paul warn the church leaders about in the is passage?

   3)  How is it we want to be remembered? 

    4) As Christians, we are called to be a servant of Christ’s kingdom and a sheep of the Good Shepherd  (Jesus). How is this counter-cultural to the world we live in?

  5) Quote from the bulletin: “If you say, ‘Why is this happening?, no light may come. But if you ask, “How am I to glorify God now?’ There will always be an answer.” (J.I. Packer) Is this helpful? Is this outlook a shift in your perspective when it comes to difficulties or hardships?

 6) Sermon quote: “The reason the gospel is good news, is it frees you from the burden of proving your self-worth. When Jesus went to the cross, He showed the world what you are worth.” Discuss with the group how this can be encouraging/challenging. 

“Awake, O Sleeper“ Acts 20:7-12

                                             Sermon Discussion Questions

   1) After reading over the passage, what do we learn about the early Church? When did they meet? 

    2) Can you list some things in your life that make you tired? Where do we find our rest?

   3) Read over Psalm 127:2 and Psalm 121. What do you find comforting about these verses?

    4) Sermon quote: “Luke (author of Acts) reminds us that it is okay to be tired. We are embodied creatures that need rest and have limitations. Sleep was not a result of the Fall. We operate in systems within our culture where being tired isn’t acceptable or considered weak.” How does this resonate with you? Is this something you have had to battle against?

5) Along with physical weariness, their is a weariness in our souls that even the best nap can’t cure. How does the truth of the gospel bring rest to our souls? What does Matthew 11 say about our rest?

“Christians in the Age of Outrage” Acts 19:21-41 Rev. Ryan Laughlin

                                                Sermon Discussion Questions


    1) After reading over the text, why was Demetrius the silversmith upset? Sometimes at the root of our anger is a fear of loss. What was Demetrius fearing he would lose? Can you see some parallels in the Ephesus culture and the current culture we are living in?

    2) What was Paul’s response after his 2 friends were dragged away by the crowd?

     3) Sermon quote: “It is the responsibility of every Christian to speak the truth in love.” Are there times in our lives when this is difficult? Have you experienced someone speaking truth to you in love that ended up being really helpful?

    4) In ancient Ephesus, many Ephesians saw the goddess Artemis (Diana in Greek) as their protector. What (idols) or whom do we put our trust in at times? 

     5) How does the gospel and the work of Christ help us when we are approaching our sinful anger, idols or our fears of loss, etc? Give some examples. There are times when righteous anger is appropriate. How do we live in hope and “rise above” the age of outrage?

“What Good is the Bible?” Acts 18:24-19:20 Rev. Ryan Laughlin

                                                     Sermon Discussion Questions


  1) Taking the title from the sermon, do we think the Bible is good for us? In what ways?

  2) After reading over this passage, how do we see God’s Word correcting, persuading and revealing reality to different folks?

  3) How do we see Priscilla and Aquila approaching Apollos with their concerns over some of his theology?

   4) Quote from the bulletin: “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.” Martin Luther.) How does this quote sit with you? Would you describe the Bible as being “alive” to you?

  5) What is Paul’s tactic in sharing the gospel to the people in Ephesus? Give specific examples from the text. 

  6) The Bible is God’s spoken word to us, so that we can know Him better. He is pursuing relationship with us through His word. Is that encouraging news to hear?