How’s Your Posture? Acts 16:1-15. Rev Ryan Laughlin

                                                          Sermon Discussion Questions

    1) After reading over this section, who are the main characters in this passage? What role does each person play in the early Church?

   2) What was the significance for Timothy getting circumcised? 

  3) As Christians we can take different postures towards our neighbors and the world around us. With so much to worry about in the world, are you tempted to disengage or “turn off” your compassion? What are the dangers in “turning off” our compassion and not engaging in the mission of the Church?

  4) Being free in Christ, frees us up to set aside our preferences and opinions for the sake of the gospel. Have there been times in your life you have needed to set aside preference for the love of a neighbor? Are there relationships now that the Lord can stretch you in regarding this?

   5) Quote: “Mission lies at the heart of God and therefore, at the very heart of the church. A church without mission is no longer a church. It is contradicting an essential part of its identity. The church is mission. (John Stott) Unpack this quote with your group. How do you see God’s heart for mission in this passage? How have you seen God’s heart for mission in your own life?

6) What do we learn about Paul’s efforts in regards to Lydia’s conversion? How is this encouraging for us?

Healthy Conflict Acts 15:22-41 Rev. Ryan Laughlin

                                                          Sermon Discussion Questions


1) After reading the passage, can you recap what was taking place? What is the context for these verses? Do you see any themes?

2) Believers have resources when it comes to dealing with conflict. What/Who do those resources look like in our daily lives? Are we quick to see Jesus as a resource? Why or why not?

3) Do the words “healthy conflict” seem contradictory? When it comes to healthy conflict what are two principles that we can practice? How do we see these principles lived out in Acts 15? (Keep in mind these principles are applicable to conflicts on a smaller scale. Chronic on-going conflict, may require other on-going steps, like seeking outside counsel, etc.)

4)Why should we address conflict? A lot of time, conflict gets pushed aside or ignored. What can happen if we don’t engage or try to reconcile? 

5) Reconciliation/reunion is a major foundation of the gospel. How is this good news for us and others? Is this encouraging to you? 

“Freedom Fighters” Acts 15:1-21 Rev. Ryan Laughlin

                                       Sermon Discussion Questions


        1) After reading over this section again, what was the main point that Peter and James were both trying to make?

         2) We see in this passage, the early church was worried that their freedom in Christ was being challenged. In Acts 15 the believers were letting the topic of circumcision divide them and rob them of their joy and freedom in Christ. Have there been times when you have added (Jesus +____= salvation) to the gospel of grace that prohibits your joy and freedom in Christ? 

        3) Sermon quote: “We assume the greatest threat to our freedom in Christ comes from the outside. But, it is inside the Church and in our hearts.” Reflect on this. Discuss with the group.

         4) When Peter and James talk about freedom in Christ, it doesn’t mean, as believers, we get to do whatever we want. What was the example of  loving others that James gives in verses 20 and 21? 
    
             5) The gospel truth is that Jesus saved us because of His  love and grace. God accepts us with no strings attached. How is this truth encouraging to you? What makes it challenging to believe that sometimes?  

Acts 14 The Rhythm of the Saints Rev. Ryan Laughlin

                                                Sermon Discussion Questions


1) As you read over chapter 14, what is Barnabas and Paul’s strategy or rhythm for sharing the gospel? Do you notice any patterns?

2) Since the beginning of God calling people to Himself, there is a rhythm of life that believers are called to live. We are called to “gather and scatter”. Can you discuss that description a little further? What does that rhythm look like practically in your life?

3) Having this regular rhythm of gathering and scattering to share the good news, can also bring suffering. When you have experienced suffering for the sake of the gospel or even felt timid to share, what has helped you or encourage you along the way?

4) Bulletin quote: “When people are looking for a perfect and painless (life), they are looking for Eden, for the shalom we were meant to experience in God’s good creation. Unfortunately, there is no back door to Eden. We will not find perfect shalom until Jesus makes all things new.” Michael Goheen
What strikes you about this quote? What is encouraging about it?

5) When sharing our lives with others, what are some ways that we can “build bridges” with them? In other words, how can we foster true connection and encourage them in gospel truth?

6) How did we see Jesus demonstrate this rhythm of life (gather/scatter) throughout His earthly life? 

Some Good News Acts 13:13-52 Rev Greg Meyer

                                                               Sermon Discussion Question



1) What do we see the early church doing in this passage?

2) How can we keep the good news good?

 3) God initiates relationship with His people. Start with the history of Gods faithfulness informs how we respond now. Read over verses 16-25. How was God active and taking initiative for His people?

4) This passage reminds us that God moves towards His people. How have you seen God move toward you recently?

5) God who  us in to live in His grace and mercy. If we respond to God’s invitation of forgiveness of sins and living in His grace, then we become participants who are also inviting others to join in new life.

6) Generosity and joy in response, should be our response once we see the depth of God’s love to sinners.  How do we find our joy in the midst of the sin and brokenness in the world?



NT Wright quote

26-35