Summary

This week, Todd spent time in Acts 14, showing us one of the many history lessons the Bible has to offer. He walked us through Paul’s journey in Acts 14, Greek & Roman mythology, man’s religion, the reformation, the reliability of Scripture, and ways we can live out our faith—using the history of Acts 14 as our inspiration—today.

Discussion Questions

1. "You may press the words of Luke (the author of the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts) in a degree beyond any other historian's and they stand the keenest scrutiny and the hardest treatment, -Sir William Ramsay.” How equipped are you to answer questions about the faith and give a defense for the reliability of the Bible? Share where you feel you are at with your community group, and then, sign up together as a group for an equipping opportunity this fall to take the next step as you grow in your faith.
2. “I don't try to convince anyone of anything. I just ask, 'Has anyone ever told you about the story of God? The story of the Bible?' Why wouldn't you share the information that could be the pivot point of their eternity? It's not weird to share the hope you have, the truth of Jesus. Live faithfully, everywhere you go you preach the gospel, and then circle back to where you've been and build upon the foundation and seeds that are there." Give a report to your community group of what your last three weeks of living on mission have looked like. Identify one way you can be more faithful to live on mission this next week.
3. "We all want God to heal and deliver us from situational evil, but He's not always going to. 'In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).’ You don't trust Jesus because He'll make your life better. In fact, it will almost assuredly get worse. If you think becoming a Christian will make life easier for you, you are not paying attention. Stay strong. Don't be surprised by suffering and difficulties. You live in a land where it's going to get worse." When was the last time you faced a difficult situation because of how you lived out your faith? What’s one area of your life that you are avoiding a difficult situation that God wants to use to grow you (James 1:2-4)?