Sermon Discussion Guide

1.) Share with the group a time when you have been given a mission. What was the mission and what were the joys, stresses, and sacrifices that you experienced during that time?

2.) As we begin to journey through the book of Acts, we will be digging into what the early Church looked like. Church in our North American context can look different than the church we see in the book of Acts. Take a minute and think about what you think Church should look like. Are there some ways that you have ‘church baggage’? Ways that you think the church should look like, sound like, or act like?

Read Acts 1:6-11

3.) In this passage Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the Kingdom of God but they miss the full vision. They are focussed on what it means for them and missed the big picture. Often, we look at church and think about ‘what’s in it for me?’ and miss the big picture. What are some ways that our view of the Kingdom of God might be too narrow, focussed on what being in relationship with God does for us but missing the big picture of what he has planned for the world?

4.) In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells us that we will receive power from the Holy Spirit that will equip us for God’s mission here on earth. But often we fear taking risks or don’t know what our first step should be. As you look forward into this week, take time to ask God, “Am I living out an Acts 1:8 vision?”. In your workplace, in your neighborhood, with your friends?
If he says yes, lean into what you are doing. If the answer is no, ask him how you can make changes and see what he has in store!

Going Deeper – The Last 10%

5.) As a group, challenge each other to journal together in your Going Beyond journals, reading through the book of Acts as a group and with the rest of the Living Hope family. When you come together next time, share with each other what you are learning through your reading and the short videos and see where God is asking you to Go Beyond.