Unstoppable Gospel
Pray
Pray together for the group meeting, and any pressing needs within the group.
Review
Each week you’ll spend some time reviewing the previous week’s lesson. Did anything happen last week that brought the lesson to mind, and what did you learn from it?
Watch
Watch the following discussion-starter video. It’ll set the topic of discussion for the group.
Read: Acts 2:14-17; 22-24; 36-41 (read straight through)
- One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.
- Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc. We recommend using the YouVersion Bible app.
Retell
- One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…
- As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build the story. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.
Discuss
Together, share around the group how the topic and scripture setting applies to your life personally. Here are some thoughts to consider for discussion… don’t let the discussion stop here, though… what questions can you ask that will help uncover God’s message?
Peter preaches to the people of Jerusalem (Acts 2:14)
- Describe the location that Peter was preaching.
- Who were the people Peter was speaking to?
- What might have been their ages?
- Religious beliefs?
- Knowledge of the scriptures?
- What was the value of having his fellow apostles with him?
- How familiar would these people have been with who Peter was, and why?
- Describe some differences between sharing the gospel with those you are familiar with, and sharing with strangers.
Introduction to the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:15-17)
- How did Peter describe what the people had just seen?
- What did Peter say to eliminate any confusion about the work of the Holy Spirit?
- Why was it important for Peter to quote the prophet Joel?
- In what ways did God say the Holy Spirit would affect believers when it came?
Sharing the Gospel Message (Acts 2:22-24, 36)
- Who is the Gospel message about?
- How easy to understand was Peter’s message?
- What are the benefits of making a message simple and direct?
- How do you think Peter approached the people? Was he bold or timid? Why was his particular approach important?
- What was the potential that Peter’s words could be offensive? What are the risks of this kind of communication?
- How can the gospel be shared in a way that does not compel people to seek salvation?
The Gospel’s Results (Acts 2:36-41)
- Describe the condition of the people’s hearts after hearing the Gospel message preached.
- What did the Gospel cause the people to do?
- What was Peter’s instructions to the crowd as a result of their belief?
- For whom is the promise Peter was preaching about?
- What is meant by “untoward generation”, and how does one “save him or herself” from it?
- What is the meaning of repentance? Why must it precede receiving the Holy Spirit and baptism?
- How might we know the people were receptive to what Peter is saying?
- Describe how the people were baptized.
- How has the preaching of the Gospel affected your life?
- What is our ultimate goal when sharing the gospel?
- In what ways can we be prepared to share the gospel?
- How do we develop the boldness to share the gospel like Peter did?
Next Week…
The Unstoppable Community: Acts 2:42-47