The gospel is not meant to stop with us; rather, it goes through us.
The nations have come to us.
Icebreaker
Have you ever explored your heritage – perhaps by doing some genealogy research or by a genetic test?
If so, what did you discover?
If not, what do you know of your ethnic background?
Digging Deeper
Read Acts 1:1-11.
This is the third time you've read Acts 1:1-11 in your growth group. What new observations are you making?
In these verses, what do you learn about the authority of the Father, the work of the Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit?
How do you see these roles in your own life?
Read Acts 10 using the sections below. After reading each section, pause and summarize what has happened thus far:
Day One: Cornelius’ vision (Acts 10:1-8)
Day Two: Peter’s vision (Acts 10:9-23a)
Day Three: Peter travels to Joppa (Acts 10:23b)
Day Four: The meeting (Acts 10:24-48)
Continuing to reflect on Acts 10:
Whose intervention was necessary for the Gentiles to receive the gospel? (Hint: Skim Acts 10:3, 11–16; 11:5–10, 13, 15–17.)
How did God teach new truths to Peter and Cornelius? (Hint: For Peter see Acts 10:34-35 and compares with Acts 10:28.)
Skim Acts 11:1-8.
What is happening in these verses?
Why do you think Luke includes these verses? That is, what significant truth is repeated?
In your own words, why was the gospel going to Gentiles so significant?
Are there some groups of people our church would hesitate to accept? How are these people different from the majority of our community? What causes hesitancy in accepting them?
What are you doing to help your church avoid showing favoritism in its efforts to witness for Christ and bring new members into his church?
Next Steps
Reaching the nations starts with relating to those in our own congregation. Read this article and then discuss the following questions:
What do you typically do in the ten minutes immediately after a worship service?
Summarize the author's three points in your own words.
Which (if any) of these points do you already do?
Which (if any) do you not already do?
Which one(s) can your group aim to enact this coming Sunday? How will encourage one another and hold one another accountable to this?
Upcoming Events
Saturday, May 21st - Global 6k - Please register by today. Use code LASTCHANCE to receive $10 off.
