Todd continued his series on the Book of Acts. Read Acts 4:7-23. It is a pivotal chapter in which the Church first experiences persecution, and it gives us a formula for faithfulness even in the midst of persecution.
Discussion Questions
- Can you tell others who Jesus is and what His purpose and mission is? What is His central place in history? If you have trouble answering these questions, start by reading Acts 4:10-12 and memorizing Acts 4:12.
- What about those who have never heard about Jesus? If someone asks you this question, how would you answer? Read Romans 1:18-23. God reveals Himself through creation and conscience.
- Todd says that a better question is: How can we, who have heard and responded to the gospel, not share it with others continuously? How are you doing in sharing the truth about Jesus with others who are in your life—your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers? Who is one person you can tell about Jesus this week?
- Do the people in your life know that you “have been with Jesus”? Read Acts 4:13. Do you speak the truth about Jesus with confidence?
- Todd says that what makes you fit for ministry is not that you are “lettered” or trained in the institutions of the world, but that you are educated in the truths of the Word. When you are talking with others, do you respond with the world’s viewpoint or the truths of Scripture? You can follow the example of Peter and John in Acts 4 by proclaiming Jesus, telling people that there is salvation only in Him, and inviting people to make a decision about who they say Jesus is.
- The key to the Church’s effectiveness is its walk with Jesus, being filled with His Spirit, and sharing the truth about Jesus. How is each member of your community group doing in accomplishing this mission? What can you do together to be more effective ministers of the gospel?
- In Acts 4:20 Peter and John tell the Council that “we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Take some time to share what you have seen and heard of that Jesus is doing in your midst this last week(s). What stops you from sharing these stories with others? How can your community group encourage each other to keep talking about what Jesus has done in your lives, even if doing so results in persecution?