Unfolding Grace – Week 36

The gospel continues to spread (Acts 13-15)

Read pages 547-559 in Unfolding Grace this week.

1. Scripture teaches Barnabas was willing to desperately search for Saul (Acts 11:25) in order to advance the gospel Kingdom purposes in Antioch. What lessons can we learn from his example of Church leadership? How can you apply the example of Barnabas to your personal walk with Christ?

Please pray for each other as you consider decreasing so that someone, other than Jesus, could increase.

2. When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, Scripture teaches he “saw the grace of God” (Acts 11:23a). What does it mean to have “eyes” to see the grace of God at work around you? What action steps can you take to improve your “vision” in regards to God’s grace at work around you?

Please pray for each other for “eyes’ to see God’s grace at work around you.

3. The church in Jerusalem imposed cultural standards upon the church in Antioch that were additions to the gospel. (Acts 15). Why was this a terrible idea? What negative results did these actions have? What examples of how cultural standards of our day are trying to be imposed upon church members?

4. The apostle Paul’s delivery of “first importance” matters to the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 15:1-8) spells out some essentials of the gospel. He goes on to say that the grace of God is the agent of transformation. When cultural pressures come; when the storms of life come; how can these “first importance” things coupled with God’s grace see you through? Would you be willing to share examples with your group?

5. The Antioch church was a well-taught, integrated, worshiping, praying and sending church. Would you consider asking the Lord to better equip Hutto Bible Church to look like the church in Antioch? Would you please pray for the elders, pastoral staff, other staff, leaders, and the church in general that they would purpose in their souls to learn from this narrative in order to better fulfill the commandments of Christ (Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8)?

6. From Sunday’s sermon, what did you find either most encouraging or most challenging?