Acts Week Four

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SENT: Week 4 – Peter’s Sermon Open in Prayer W elcom e/Introductions/Cast Vision Rem ind the Grow Group of the ground rules Share background for the story [Provide context by sharing what comes before the story.]

As promised, the Holy Spirit is poured out on the disciples of Jesus to begin His work of renewal in Jerusalem and make it possible for His salvation to reach “to the ends of the earth.” As the result of this outpouring, the disciples spoke in various languages. For those from across the globe, they were amazed to hear the disciples speaking in “their own languages.” Then Peter takes to the stage to declare God’s message of the Messiah. Tell the story – this week’s passage is Acts 2:14-36 [Have someone tell the story.] Rebuild the story [Group members tell the story together based on what they remember] Read the story out loud [Read the scripture passage to see if anything was added or omitted] Discuss these questions:

1. What do we learn about God from this passage? [God desires for everyone to come to faith in Him, God desires for us to testify of His grace, God will give us the words to say, God gives us the courage to testify of His love, God fulfills His promises, God uses the miraculous to encourage us in our faith, God longs to have an intimate relationship with us, etc.]

2. What do we learn about Man/Us from this passage? (I am His instrument for spreading the gospel, All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved, I am called (like Peter) to “take a stand” for Christ, I often demand evidence before belief/action, People often reject Christ not because of lack of knowledge but fullness of pride, etc.]

3. What is God saying to you specifically through this passage as it pertains to your life, marriage, family, and work? 4. What is God leading you to do? Other Q uestions specific to this passage:

1. Peter did not include his personal story of coming to faith. What are the dangers of relying too heavily on our testimony rather than conveying truths about Jesus? 2. Is it hard for you to have a “gospel centered” conversation with an unbeliever? Why? Assign next week’s passage – Acts 2:37-47 [Ask someone to tell the story next week.] Close in Prayer

Sent: Week 4 – Leadership Coaching The purpose of this page is to help you sharpen your skills as a Grow Group Leader. Each week we will include concepts, challenges, and resources designed to assist you as you lead and shepherd your grow group and grow as a disciple yourself.

Leading [learn to facilitate your group more effectively] If someone in your group dominates the discussion, here are some tools you may find helpful: Review the Grow Group Ground Rules at the start of each meeting, with emphasis on “No Crosstalk” and “Give Everyone a Chance to Share” Direct questions to other people by name Ask the group to go around the room in order and share their answers to a question State that you would like to hear more about that story after the meeting and then redirect the discussion to someone else in the group Talk privately with the person and ask them to help get others involved in the discussion

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] A spiritual young adult is someone whose heart has changed from being self-centered to being God-centered and others-focused. They want to serve and lead. You may see this in their actions and hear it in their conversation. To shepherd someone who is a spiritual young adult, you will equip them for ministry by giving them ministry tasks, but also guiding them through the relational dynamics of ministry. Prepare them to remain balanced when disappointment or success occurs by reminding them to focus on the bigger picture of salvation and God’s kingdom. Lead your disciples to serve in the church and in the community. Have them watch you serve, give them a chance to serve and then have them teach someone else to serve. Finally, you will want to hand off responsibility to them while setting boundaries that encourage them to find answers to their own questions.

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus said it was to love the Lord God with all your heart, but He added that loving one another was equally important. In John 13:35, Jesus tells them “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Look up these verses and consider what your life is proving. o John 21:15-17 – What does Jesus expect form Peter before giving him responsibility o

for the sheep? 1 Cor. 13:1-3 – What is your motive for using the spiritual gifts you have been given?

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1 Cor. 13:4-7 – What changes do you need to make in your attitudes and actions to model this kind of love?

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Matthew 5:43-48 – How have you shown love to an “enemy” recently?