The Unstoppable Gospel

Main Thought

It’s football season! Everyone hopes that their favorite team or teams will be “unstoppable.” The gospel (or good news) about Jesus has been unstoppable ever since Jesus came from heaven to save the world. What did the early believers do to carry the unstoppable gospel to the ends of the earth? How can we see the gospel spread through our lives ? It can be as simple as living the gospel, connecting with others, and sharing the gospel with them. Living the gospel means we look for opportunities to serve people, like Jesus did. That becomes a bridge to connecting with others. We can then learn about what’s happening in peoples’ lives, ask them questions, and listen to them thoughtfully. Eventually, we’ll find opportunities to share what Jesus has done for us. The Holy Spirit empowers us as we engage this process and engage people in faith. If we will share the good news with God’s help, we’ll become unstoppable witnesses of the gospel.

Main Passages

30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

- Acts 28:30-31

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

- Acts 2:42-47

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

- Acts 1:8

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the main thought and passages above?

2. Think about the process of living the gospel, connecting with others, and sharing the gospel with them. What’s the hardest part of that process for you in this season of your life?

3. What is one practical step you can take in the next one or two weeks toward living the gospel, connecting with others, and/or sharing the gospel?

Join the Journey

Main Thought

In Acts chapter 21, we are inspired by the apostle Paul’s journey. His example teaches us that following God is both rewarding and challenging. He recognized God's will for his life and demonstrated incredible faith and determination in fulfilling it, even in the face of immense difficulties. This included returning to Jerusalem even when it looked like certain doom. Paul could have easily buckled to fear or rationalized his way out of God's plan, but he chose to trust and obey Him anyway. Paul could’ve reserved his rights. Instead, he relinquished his rights for the sake of others - imitating Christ and His sacrifice for us. As a result, God was glorified and Paul left a lasting mark in history.

Main Passages

10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” - Acts 21:10-14

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:2

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:3-11

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Do you feel that you “relinquish your rights” for the sake of serving others? Why or why not?

3. How can we discern the will of God for our lives and become confident that we’re walking in it?

How to Find What You're Looking For

Main Thought

On Paul’s second missionary journey, he found himself waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens. While there, he was provoked by what he saw. Paul recognized the fine sculptures and architecture for what they really were: pointless pursuits of gods who could never hear or answer the people who sought them. Paul was moved to share the gospel; when he did so, his presentation was both accurate and adapted to fit the cultural context. The gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to uniquely address the needs of individuals, cultures, and communities. 

What might this look like in the city and cultural context of Las Vegas? Many in Las Vegas are pursuing fulfillment through money, pleasurable experiences, status and more. Yet temporary things can only bring temporary happiness. Our pursuits leave us isolated, with a trail of brokenness behind us. Yet the love of God, demonstrated by the Cross and secured by the Resurrection, is so valuable that’s it’s worth exchanging any other pursuit in order to experience it. We can abandon lesser pursuits because we’ve found greater hope and love in Christ. This is just one example of how the gospel can help us find what we’re looking for.

Main Passages

24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.

- Acts 17:24-27

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

- Matthew 13:44-46

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

- Titus 2:11-14

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Has there ever been a “pointless pursuit” that captured your attention? What do you think God’s Word says about that pursuit?

3. In your own words, how can the gospel (along with all of its implications) help us find what we’re looking for?

The Divine Doorkeeper

Main Thought

Almost all of us have felt the frustration of “closed doors.” Maybe we don’t have the opportunities we want because of things like distractions, delays, and denials. When doors begin to close in our faces, it’s important for us to remember that God is the Divine Door Keeper. He opens doors that no one shut! Nothing can stop God’s perfect will. Knowing this can inspire us to faithfully obey God even when faced with closed doors. If we want His guidance, then we need to faithfully follow His instructions. We’ll eventually encounter open doors when we walk with Jesus. Open doors often have open hearts waiting on the other side. We’ll find incredible opportunities to know God more, and to make Him known.

Main Passages

6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.

-  Acts 16:6-12

13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

- Acts 16:13-15

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. 8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.

- Revelation 3:7-8a

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?

2. Are you facing the frustration of a closed door right now?

3. What might it look like for you to faithfully explore, follow, or obey God while waiting for the right doors to open in your life?

What’s Missing in the Mission?

Main Thought

Barnabas and Paul brought God’s message of salvation to people who had never heard it before. As their team made disciples, they took their place in the mission of God. We’re invited to discover purpose as we participate in God’s mission. If we want to do that, then we can learn from the example of these men. There are at least five elements of effective mission present as their mission trip began in Acts 13:1-5. 

• Church: Paul and Barnabas were a part of a local church, and they started churches at every stop along the way. The primary way that God advanced His Kingdom in the New Testament was through local churches. 

• Community: Jesus called a community to be His followers and “fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19.) We can engage the mission together.

• Consistent prayer and fasting: The first missionaries recognized that they would bear much fruit in God by abiding in God (John 15), so they prayed and fasted regularly.

• A course of action (or a strategy): One reason they began with Cyprus is because Barnabas was from that island. He knew the roads, culture, and people well.

• Connections: Starting their mission in each city by visiting Jewish synagogues made it easier to connect with people. These connections turned into discipleship relationships as they preached and met with people.

If each of us improves in just one of these elements of mission individually, then our collective effort and impact would multiply greatly.

Main Passages

1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.

- Acts 13:1-5

“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

- Acts 13:47

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

- Matthew 28:18-20

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Which one of the five elements of effective mission are you currently strongest in?

3. Which one of the five elements of effective mission can you improve on?

Disrupting the Darkness - Paul’s Encounter With The Light

Main Thought

Acts 9 presents a contrast of Saul’s life. (Saul would eventually come to be known as Paul.) We see him before Christ and after his conversion in Christ. What happened between verses 1 and 31? Saul encountered the presence and power of God in the form of a divine light. During this encounter, he experienced three things which would change him for the rest of his life. First, Jesus confronted Saul with the truth of the gospel. The gospel message points out our sin, and it reveals that the hope we need is in Jesus Christ. Next, we see that Saul reaches the point of conversion. He becomes a Christian, which is recognized outwardly by water baptism. Finally, we see that Saul answered the Great Commission and shared Christ with others. When we do this, we disrupt the darkness and help others encounter the light.

Main Passages

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

- Acts 9:1-6

17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.

- Acts 9:17-19

For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

- Acts 9:19b-22

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and/or Passages above?

2. Mirror Saul’s story in Acts 9 by reflecting on your Faith Story (or testimony) with God.
   a. What was you life like before Christ?
   b. How did you come to know Christ? (Confrontation and conversion)
   c. How has your life changed for the better since coming to know Christ?

3. Pray for at least one person to share your Faith Story with by name, then try to set up time to spend with that person within the next month!

Simon Says

Main Thought

In Acts 8, we read about an interesting individual: Simon the Magician. Simon’s magic captured the attention of Samaritan people for a long time. He had a great deal of influence until Philip the Evangelist arrived. Philip preached the gospel of Jesus Christ in Samaria. Many believed, including Simon. The Bible tells us that Simon went through the motions of being a Christian for a while. Yet his underlying motives remained unchanged. Simon still wanted the power, control, and approval that came from being viewed by others as “great.” Ultimately, we don’t know what became of Simon. He might have faded into history. He might have even become an early enemy of the church. How can we avoid ending up like Simon? By learning to search our hearts.

We can ask ourselves questions to reveal where our hearts stand before God, like:

1. Why do I feel this way? How can I surrender to the Lordship of Christ?

2. What motivates me?

3. Who am I becoming? Who, or what, is helping me get there?

Main Passage

9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed. - Acts 8:9-13

14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” - Acts 8:14-19

20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.” - Acts 8:20-24

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Is there an area in which you currently feel that you’re “going through the motions?” How might God want to inspire or motivate you in that area?

3. Search your heart by picking one of the three questions listed above that stands out to you most, then answering it in conversation with your group.

Even When It Doesn't Make Sense

Main Thought

We all know that we’ll face different obstacles and opposition throughout our lives. These things come in all shapes and sizes. They often make us feel like we’ve been pushed off-course. We may even wonder whether or not we’re living in God’s will. When this happens, it’s important for us to remember that God can use the things we face to position us for opportunity. If we want to experience this, then we need to obey God - even when it doesn’t make sense! God leads us through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. We may discover incredible open doors of opportunity when we follow God in faith.

Main Passages

4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.

- Acts 8:4-8

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”

- Acts 8:26-29

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. How might God call us to obey Him in a way that doesn’t make sense? Give one or two examples.

3. How do you currently process God’s will in the face of a difficult decision? What can you do to get better at this process?

Fathers and Faith

Main Thought

In Acts 7, as Stephen addresses the crowd, he references a handful of the “fathers of the faith.” These are men who helped form the foundation of Christianity. We can learn a lot from their example. While these lessons can apply to every believer, they have a unique emphasis for fathers who want to live as God intended. Fathers are called like Abraham. God calls fathers to reflect the love of Christ to their spouses, and to demonstrate God’s love to their children. Fathers contend like Moses. Fathers contend for their families through things like prayer, consistency, and hard work. Fathers pay the cost like Stephen. Fathers are called to sacrifice; when they do this with joy, it reveals God’s love in a profound way. Finally, fathers are called to continue like Saul, who eventually became Paul. There may be moments in which any of us - fathers, mothers, everyone - feel like failures. The temptation in that moment is to give up or check out. But the grace of God gives us the opportunity to continue, and that’s exactly what we should do.

Main Passages

“Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3 and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’

- Acts 7:2-3

35 “This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years.

- Acts 7:35-36

…for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…

- Proverbs 24:16

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Why is it important for the people we lead or influence to see us pay the cost, or sacrifice, in our leadership? In what ways do you try to apply this principle?

3. Have you ever felt like giving up or checking out because you failed in some way? What’s the best way for you to continue by God’s grace?

What Does it Mean to Fear God?

Main Thought

The Bible has a lot to say about “the fear of the Lord.” But that concept can be difficult to understand. How can we fear God and love God at the same time? The fear of the Lord and God’s love can - and should - coexist. It can be said that the fear of God is reserved for those who reject the love of God. He prefers to extend His grace and love. But God is also just, so He exercises His power in opposition to sin. 

God’s power can be a blessing to us. He protects us. He also warns us of sin’s consequences, and may discipline us when we disobey. In this way, being aware of God’s power can instill a healthy sense of fear in us. It’s a fear that prevents us from experiencing or causing greater pain. Ultimately, the motive behind the exercise of God’s power is God’s love. To fear God, then, is to live with an awareness of God’s power and an appreciation of God’s love. This awareness causes reverence and awe; it inspires us to be holy; to worship, and to know God more. We should fear God.

Main Passages

9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. - Acts 5:9-11

28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. 

- Matthew 10:29-33

6 The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.” - Exodus 34:6-7

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above, and why?

2. Do you tend to think more about God’s power or love? Do you think that reveals anything about your relationship with God, or your understanding of Him?

3. What’s one way fearing God (as described above) can impact your daily life?

For All to See

Main Thought

Some sporting events or concerts are only available to those who purchase a pay per view or a ticket. They’re limited by nature. On the other hand, other events - like the Super Bowl - are available more widely on cable television. They’re meant to be experienced by as many people as possible. They’re “for all to see.” The movement of God’s Spirit is something that’s meant for all to see! The Holy Spirit wants to be as real to us as if Jesus Himself were present in our midst. We’re meant to experience the Spirit’s presence privately (in our own time with God) and publicly (in settings like a Sunday worship service). When the Spirit moves, He changes lives. What will you do in order to see God move?

Main Passages

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

- Acts 2:1-4

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

- John 20:19-22

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?

2. What do you think it means to experience the presence of God? What makes you say that?

3. Reflect on the passages from 1 Thessalonians 5. Can you do any of these things as you spend time with God, in order to experience Him more?