This past Sunday I had the honor of teaching through Acts 15:36 – 16:5 at Renovation Church. Below the message is the “Sermon Discussion Guide” that will help you go deeper with the text. We will be discussing this sermon discussion guide during our online small group via Zoom on Wednesday at 8:30pm. All are invited to join us and the connection info is here: https://renovationchurchsd.com/online-service-information/
Book of Acts – Week 39 – Acts 15:36 – 16:5
Discussion Guide
Before working on this discussion guide, please do the following:
1. Watch the message from this past Sunday if you were unable to attend the online service. You can find the message on our Facebook Page and on our website (renovationchurchsd.com).
2. Spend 5 minutes or so in prayer. You can either pray through the “Lord’s Prayer” or simply share what is on your heart. It is also good to spend at least 1 full minute in silence so that God can quiet your heart and mind as you prepare to study the Scriptures.
Discussion Questions
1. Read slowly and prayerfully through Acts 15:36 – 16:5. What themes stand out to you? What questions do you have about this passage?
2. Spend a few moments reflecting on division – what aspects of the (sinful) human heart lead to division and divisiveness? What are some common things people divide about today?
3. Keeping with the question above, read through James 4:1-10. What themes and words stand out to you from this passage that apply to the divisiveness of our church and culture?
4. In the beginning of this passage, we see the pastoral heart of Paul and Barnabas in that they want to go back to see how the new believers are doing. Often, making disciples is as simple as checking on how other believers are doing. Who are 3 people you will reach out to this week to see how they are doing in their faith?
5. Read through Ephesians 4:2-6. Based on this passage, what is some advice you would offer two Christians who just had an extremely heated argument on face masks, politics, or another hot button issue of our day?
6. Jesus is adamant in Matthew 16:18 that it is His job to build the church and not even the gates of hell will overcome it. Practically speaking, what are some ways this promise from Jesus should encourage us – especially in light of where the world is at today?
7. Finally, what is at least one way you are seeking to apply this message to your life this week?
Tyler Ramsbey 