March 14th, 2021

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between (1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing? 
• What can you thank God for this week? 
• When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least aware of Jesus’ presence this week? 
• Do you have any practical needs? 

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes Primary Passages: Acts 5:12 – 6:15 

• Intense Growth: Read Acts 5: 12-16 

○ In light of “many signs and wonders being regularly done among the people”, how do you account for the very different reactions and 

responses from different groups? 

○ With the power displayed through Peter, why do you suppose the people did not begin to worship him personally? 

○ Have you ever experienced a situation where prayers for healing did not result in healing? How did you experience God in this situation? 

• Intense Opposition: Read Acts 5: 17-32 

○ What motivated the Sadduces to arrest and imprison the apostles? What do we learn about the Sadduces’ character and motivation by their actions following the miraculous freeing and the subsequent recapture of the apostles? 

○ How did the apostles respond in words and deeds to the opposition they faced? 

• Read Matthew 10: 16-20: How did Jesus prepare his disciples for the intense opposition that they would ultimately face?

○ Have you been in a situation where the mention of the name “Jesus” might lead to a threat to your comfort or safety? 

• Intense Deliberation: Read Acts 5: 33-42 

○ What do we know about the Pharisee and teacher, Gamaliel? 

○ What advice did he suggest to his fellow council members? 

• Intense Strife: Read Acts 6: 1-7 

○ With the early church experiencing explosive growth in spite of intense external opposition, what tactic does Satan turn to in order to sow seeds of strife? 

○ Would you characterize the apostles’ response to the Hellenists’ complaint as elitist? Why or why not? 

○ When you hear the words “social justice” how do you respond? ○ When you feel led to complain about things that are not getting done at Providence, do you tend to direct your feedback to “them” rather than “us / me”? 

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans 3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer? ● What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin, make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.) 

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes 

• People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look like during this season? 
• Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them soon?
• Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take next steps toward Jesus.