A Community Committed to the Cause

A Community Committed to the Cause
  • Dan Haakenson
  • Oct 3, 2010
  • Series: What are WE here for? Lessons from Acts
Further Reflection, Discussion, and Application
  1. One of the themes in Acts is that suffering is used in the advance of the gospel.  (a) Take a look at this theme in Acts (arrest and threats in chapter 4; another arrest and beating in chapter 5, see 5:40-42; chapters 6-7 record the calling of the seven, including Stephen who is the first martyr, as recorded at the end of chapter 7; chapter 8 begins with the outbreak of persecution more broadly of the whole church; and this theme is not just in chapters 4-8 but continues throughout the rest of the book, see Acts 20:22-24 as just one expression of Paul’s attitude).  (b) Is this pattern of persecution to be expected or not – Acts 14:22; compare John 15:18, 20; 2 Tim 3:12?  (c) What do you think of this relationship between suffering persecution and being Christ’s witnesses?
  2. What is persecution?  Does it refer to consequence for sin?  Does it mean the various difficulties we face in life?  Is it distinctive to our sharing our faith / the gospel?
  3. What effect did the outbreak of persecution have in Acts (7:59-8:8)? What did the believers do in the face of persecution and what was the result?
  4. How have you suffered or faced resistance for being a Christian or giving witness to Jesus Christ?  What did you do and what was the result?
  5. The title this week was ‘a community committed to the cause’ – the commitment is seen in the willingness to suffer; the cause is seen in the passion for evangelism.  The Greek word for ‘evangelize’ (to share good news) is used 5 times in Acts 8 (v4, 12, 25, 35, 40).  As you think about these things, how is your commitment to the cause – to share the good news of Jesus even when it is hard?
  6. What are the most significant hurdles to you engaging in evangelism? What is the difference between these things being hurdles to overcome and excuses?
  7. Talk about some of the specifics with sharing the good news of Jesus – how is this message ‘good news’ to you?  How could you share that with others?  With whom?  When and where?
  8. Pray!  Among other things you can pray for:  boldness in sharing the gospel, even in the face of opposition (4:29); open hearts in those with whom you share (16:14); and their salvation (Rom 10:1).

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