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
After Peter and John faced threats of punishment for sharing the gospel, believers gathered to pray in Acts 4:23-31. Instead of backing down from the threat of persecution, they asked God for courage. In response, God strengthened them through the Holy Spirit to fulfill his mission, and they continued to spread the word with boldness.
These early Christians were not eloquent, educated, or part of the upper echelon of society. Their boldness did not come from personal ability or training but from their relationship with Jesus and their willingness to yield to the influence of his Spirit. As we reflect on their example, it should stir us to pray that God would empower us to speak the truth in love and obey his call, even in the face of opposition.
These early Christians were not eloquent, educated, or part of the upper echelon of society. Their boldness did not come from personal ability or training but from their relationship with Jesus and their willingness to yield to the influence of his Spirit. As we reflect on their example, it should stir us to pray that God would empower us to speak the truth in love and obey his call, even in the face of opposition.
open
1. What situations make you feel most afraid? How do you typically deal with that fear when it comes up?
reflect
2. Read Acts 4:1-4. How did the religious leaders react to Peter and John? Why do you think sharing the gospel triggered such a strong response?
3. Read Acts 4:13-22. In verse 13, what makes Peter and John’s confidence so remarkable? How does this show that their courage came from the Holy Spirit, not their education or social standing?
4. Read Acts 4:23-31. What do these believers pray for in this passage? Given all that Peter and John have been through, how do their prayers differ from what you might expect?
3. Read Acts 4:13-22. In verse 13, what makes Peter and John’s confidence so remarkable? How does this show that their courage came from the Holy Spirit, not their education or social standing?
4. Read Acts 4:23-31. What do these believers pray for in this passage? Given all that Peter and John have been through, how do their prayers differ from what you might expect?
apply
5. Do you have a natural desire to be bolder, or do you tend to avoid situations that require boldness? Given this week’s message, why is it crucial that we strive for godly boldness?
6. Can you name a specific fear (such as rejection, failure, or embarrassment) that prevents you from being more confident when sharing the gospel? How might naming that fear help you overcome it?
7. What are some specific relationships where you feel God is calling you to share the gospel boldly? What’s one specific thing you can do this week to take a positive step in that direction (like sending a text, grabbing coffee, or inviting someone to church)?
8. At the end of your group meeting, take a moment to revisit the service opportunities shared last week and decide which one is the best fit for your group. Leaders can find the list of opportunities in the weekly Home Group Leader Email.
6. Can you name a specific fear (such as rejection, failure, or embarrassment) that prevents you from being more confident when sharing the gospel? How might naming that fear help you overcome it?
7. What are some specific relationships where you feel God is calling you to share the gospel boldly? What’s one specific thing you can do this week to take a positive step in that direction (like sending a text, grabbing coffee, or inviting someone to church)?
8. At the end of your group meeting, take a moment to revisit the service opportunities shared last week and decide which one is the best fit for your group. Leaders can find the list of opportunities in the weekly Home Group Leader Email.
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.