Scripture Passage: Acts 16: 23-40

Pastor Ryan used the persecution that Paul and Silas experienced to teach us three opportunities God might use through our suffering. While being faithful to the Holy Spirit’s leading, Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten with rods, and thrown into the inner cell of a prison.

Pastor Ryan reminded us that we should never wish for suffering, but that we don’t want to waste the opportunities that God might use.

“And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison…”
(Acts 16:23)

1. The Opportunity for Pure Praise
God is most honored and worshiped when we express our love to Him during times of suffering. It’s pure love when we sing Holy, Holy, Holy, Is the Lord God Almighty while under duress.

During the Worship Service time we were encouraged to remember a time, present or past, when we were suffering, and to offer the praise of Holy, Holy, Holy to the Lord. Share that experience with those around you.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God.” (Acts 16:25)

2. The Opportunity for God to Work in Supernatural Ways
A time of crisis provides the context for God to work a miracle. This is a time for us to realize that God is in control of all our circumstance, even during suffering. We can begin to have spiritual eyes and see circumstances from God’s perspective.

As you remember a time of suffering can you now see God’s hand at work in that time?  Share that time with those close to you.

“…and suddenly there was a great earthquake…” (Acts 16:26)

3. Suffering Brings the Opportunity for Others to See Christ in You
Suffering allows us the opportunity to show Christ in a powerful way to an unbeliever, or doubter. This may be the best opportunity for us to extend the saving grace of Jesus Christ to another.

Can you share an experience when you saw the power of the Gospel extended during a time of suffering?

“And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.” (Acts 16:34)

Scripture Passage: Acts 4:17-20

Every Christ follower should be prepared to face opposition in healthy ways.. Pastor Ryan spoke of three Enemies of Truth in any culture:

1. Indecision

2. Intimidation

3. Unnecessary Conflict

Discussion Questions:

• Share about a time when you experienced opposition as result of embracing the truth that Jesus is the only way to have true fulfillment.

Read John 14:6 — Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

• Does popular wisdom embrace the truth that there is only one answer or one way to have a personal relationship with God?

• In what ways do you see our government and culture moving away for what we know to be truth?

• You can be bold in your proclamation about Jesus and show respect.

Read 1 Peter 3:15 — “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

Pastor Ryan stated that more people are turned off about Jesus because of the distasteful attitude of Christians than about the truth about Jesus.

• How can you share the truth with gentleness and respect?

Scripture Passage: Acts 1: 1-14; 2:1-4

This weekend Ryan Cook, our student pastor, launched our new series, The Clash. As Christians we often feel at war with the society around us, but before we can approach the Clash, we must prepare. We must first know the heart of God before we can become His hands and feet. In Acts 1, we can glean insight about how the early church prepared for the clash.

1. Reflect His Character (Acts 4:13)

If you want to know somebody you have to spend time with them. Jesus came and spent time with the Disciples. They spent time with Him and learned who He was so that they could be like Him. If we are going to know God we must spend time with Him.

2. Trust His Plan

God always provides…

• Strategy: Jesus is explaining the strategy to the disciples to go and make disciples in all nations. (Matthew 28: 18-20)

• Timing: God told the disciples to wait on His timing. We need to rely on the Lord’s timing and not our own. (Acts 1:4)

• Power: The disciples saw the power of God at Pentecost. Allow the power of God to move in your life. (Acts 2:1-4)

3. Experience His Forgiveness

• Forgiveness of our sins for salvation

• Receive ongoing forgiveness

Discussion Questions:

• Is your life saturated with the word of God?

• Are you walking according to God’s strategy or have you made plans of your own?

• Are you leaning on your own power or God’s strength?

• What is a stronghold in your life?

• Are you worth following?