Acts - Week 40
Sunday, February 5, 2023
First, remind the group about the upcoming meetings regarding the candidate for the Assistant Pastor for Connections and Community Life (Bill Letcher):
Q&A at 4:45, this Saturday, Feb 11, in Main Sanctuary.
Bill will be preaching at all three services Sunday, Feb 12.
Membership vote to be held next business meeting, 2/19, at 6:30.
Second, spend some time praying about this vital decision for the future of UBC.
Third, have someone read this week’s text: Acts 17:10-15
What is purpose/irony of Paul starting his ministry in Berea at the synagogue? (Hint: reception he had in Thessalonica)
Have someone read Romans 9:3 to spur the discussion.
One of the observations regards Paul’s great love for the Jews since they were his people. He wouldn’t give up on his loved ones when it comes to the Gospel. Spend time as a group listing some of those family members (or close friends) who seem especially resistant to the gospel. Pray for them by name.
The believers at Berea exemplify what it means to be “noble” followers of the Gospel (vv. 11-12). How does Luke describe their noble character?
What would it look like for believers in 2023 to “receive the word with all eagerness”? Be as specific as you can.
When is the last time you found yourself “searching the scriptures” to evaluate some idea or lesson recently heard? Give some context and then share what you did to examine the issue more carefully. (Tip: be careful with this question to not let it become a debate amongst the group about a divisive issue.)
So, can we lay out some concrete steps a church member should take when he/she is concerned about a doctrinal matter? Whether inside or outside the local church?
Have group members share some of their best practices when it comes to a daily intake of God’s word.
How can we take advantage of our growth group to help?
Finish by praying, once again, both for the Pastoral search and the lost loved ones mentioned earlier.