How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the weekly sermon and read through the main passages(s)
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the weekly sermon and read through the main passages(s)
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
latest message
background
In Acts 8, one of the Spirit-led servants introduced in Acts 6 highlights the importance of sharing the gospel. Engaged in successful ministry in Samaria, Philip obeys a surprising command to take a desert road where he encounters an Ethiopian official returning from Jerusalem after worship. While reading Isaiah, he remains unfulfilled. Led by the Spirit, Philip approaches him, preaches Christ, and the official responds through faith and baptism.
This passage shows how God’s grace extends to even the most unlikely individuals. The Ethiopian eunuch represents an unlikely convert. He is an outsider by both birth and circumstances. Through his Spirit, God intervenes supernaturally, preparing both the hearer and messenger. There is much to learn from Philip’s example. He knew the gospel, loved people, and was in touch with the Spirit who used him to touch the Ethiopian.
This passage shows how God’s grace extends to even the most unlikely individuals. The Ethiopian eunuch represents an unlikely convert. He is an outsider by both birth and circumstances. Through his Spirit, God intervenes supernaturally, preparing both the hearer and messenger. There is much to learn from Philip’s example. He knew the gospel, loved people, and was in touch with the Spirit who used him to touch the Ethiopian.
open
1. What friendships do you have outside your usual circles or networks? How did those relationships develop?
reflect
2. Read Acts 8:26-35. Considering Philip’s successful ministry, why is it noteworthy that he’s willing to leave Samaria (see Acts 8:8)? What does this reveal about his willingness to follow the Spirit’s lead?
3. What are some signs that this encounter is a divine appointment? How can you tell God was already working on the Ethiopian official before Philip arrived?
4. Read Acts 8:36-40. When Philip ministered in Samaria, “there was much joy in that city” (v.8), and after his encounter with Philip, the Ethiopian left rejoicing (v.39). What role does joy play in spreading the gospel? When have you noticed your joy increase after following the prompting of the Holy Spirit?
3. What are some signs that this encounter is a divine appointment? How can you tell God was already working on the Ethiopian official before Philip arrived?
4. Read Acts 8:36-40. When Philip ministered in Samaria, “there was much joy in that city” (v.8), and after his encounter with Philip, the Ethiopian left rejoicing (v.39). What role does joy play in spreading the gospel? When have you noticed your joy increase after following the prompting of the Holy Spirit?
apply
5. Philip heard the official reading scripture and seized the opportunity. What signs in the words or actions of non-believers might indicate they are open to the gospel? How can we leverage this curiosity to create an opportunity to share Christ?
6. When have you sensed the Holy Spirit guiding you to take a certain action? How did you recognize that he was the one prompting you?
7. What are some simple, everyday ways to recognize those divine appointments that God may put in your life? What steps can we take now to be ready when they come?
6. When have you sensed the Holy Spirit guiding you to take a certain action? How did you recognize that he was the one prompting you?
7. What are some simple, everyday ways to recognize those divine appointments that God may put in your life? What steps can we take now to be ready when they come?
video
resources
We ask every Home Group participant to commit to the Four Essentials of a Healthy Group outlined in our Home Group Commitment. These essentials help ensure that every group stays healthy, welcoming, and spiritually meaningful for everyone involved. You can review those here.
If you have any questions or would like more information about Home Groups, please contact Doug Barnwell at dbarnwell@fellowshipjackson.com.
If you have any questions or would like more information about Home Groups, please contact Doug Barnwell at dbarnwell@fellowshipjackson.com.