Unstoppable Providence
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 8:26-40
- 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?
Out in the Desert
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- What kind of landmarks was Philip given when he was told to go?
- Was Philip told to go to a specific city or house? If not where was he told to go?
- Would you expect to find people in the way that goes from Jerusalem to Gaza?
- Who might you meet on a road between two cities?
- Have you ever been sent to a vague location or been given vague directions?
Spending Time
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- How did Philip catch up to the chariot?
- What question did Philip ask to start the conversation?
- How does scripture describe the person traveling in his chariot?
- How would we know of the Ethiopians station and importance?
- Why would Philip have spent time getting to know the Ethiopian?
- Is it important to get to know those we talk to about salvation?
- How can we tell if the Ethopians was he open to the scriptures?
- In the end who was it that suggested baptism? What does this say about the Ethopians understanding?
Divine Providence
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- What would Philip have had to do to connect with the Ethopian without God’s directions?
- Who do you think God was helping in this encounter: the Ethopian or Philip? Why do you think so?
- What would you have been thinking if you were told to head out into the desert?
- What did you think Philip did to be able to hear and trust God’s directions?
- What adventures could we have today if we listened to God this way?
Can you hear me now?
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- How can we tell if we are listening for God’s direction?
- How often does God provide for us?
- Why don’t we hear God’s direction all the time?
- What do we need to do on a daily basis to really hear and trust what God is saying?
Next Week…
Unstoppable Conversion Acts 9:1-12