Discussion Questions: April 10, 2016
Today Todd dove into Acts 1 in his series on the book of Acts. The book of Acts is one of five historical books in the New Testament; the Gospels comprise the other four. The Gospels remind us of what God did through His Son and that Jesus did what He came to do. The question now in Acts is, “Will the people be faithful to do what they need to do?” The answer is, “yes,” and Todd shows us how this play out.
- Todd explained how the end of Luke’s writing at the end of Luke 24:44-49 transcends into Acts 1:2-3 saying that if we are a witness to all God has done for us, we are under orders to share what we know with others. In what ways are you being obedient to the orders you’ve been given personally to testify to what Christ has done for you? Are you proclaiming and what are you proclaiming? Will you share examples of what you’ve seen God do as a result of your obedience?
- Todd pointed out that in regard to working out our salvation that Scripture does not say work for your salvation, but we are to work out our salvation. Do find the distinction easy to blur at times? And if so, will you explain how have been able to differentiate the two and how that plays out daily in your life?
- We are called to be a witness…not an expert witness, but we are to tell what we know, to tell of Jesus and the cross, the resurrection, and of a changed life. We have been paid for, reclaimed, and reconciled. Does the fear of being an inadequate witness hinder you from sharing what you know and have experienced personally? Did hearing Todd share how to overcome this fear help you in any way? If so, will you share how?
- God tells us that He wants us to live and love like we are from a different land (Colossians 3:12-16), that we are like His ambassadors. Does your life stand out enough in a way that causes people to ask what it is that you have that is so different and how can they get it? If not, why not? Will you commit to begin to be intentional to be God’s faithful ambassador causing others to want to “come and see?” If so, what does that look like?
- 1 Corinthians 12:13 talks about baptism and how all who believe are identified in one Spirit. Baptism is an outward expression of inner faith. What does baptism mean to you personally? Have you experienced baptism for yourself and will you share your experience with the others?