Unstoppable Guidance.

Review:

Quick Reminders:

1. All born-again believers have the Holy Spirit.



2. One of the things the Holy Spirit does is Guide believers.



Rom 8:14 - For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.



3. You can Resist, or Follow, His guidance.

Two ways to Resist:

• Grieving the Spirit:
  

  Eph 4:30 - And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.



• Quenching the Spirit:
  

  1 Thes 5:19 - Do not quench the Spirit.

I Will Follow the Holy Spirit When I Drop Some Things.

1. I must drop my personal Rights. (Acts 16:1-5)
   

   Phil 2:6-7 - ...who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.



2. I must drop my personal Plans. (Acts 16:6-10)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 16:1-10

1. Why did Paul get Timothy circumcised after the church leaders just said that wasn't necessary for salvation (Acts 16:1, 11)? What does this say about us "laying down our rights" for the sake of the Gospel?
    
2. What "rights" do Christians sometimes hold on to - that should be let go of - for the sake of the Gospel? Be specific.
    
3. In what ways does the Holy Spirit guide someone? Again: Be specific. How can you tell the difference between the Spirit speaking and "that was just your imagination"?
    
4. Why would God say NO to something good, like doing mission work in a certain area (Acts 16:6-7)? What does this say about when God tells you NO about doing something, even something good?

Bonus Question: 5 - Explain grieving the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30) and quenching the Holy Spirit (1 Thes 5:19). What is the difference between the two?

Breakout Questions:

What is the Holy Spirit telling YOU to do, or to NOT do? Be specific. Pray for clarity in direction and faith to obey. 

Unstoppable Despite Conflict.

Review:

5 Reality Checks about Christians and Conflice:

1. Conflicts happen among God's People.



2. Conflicts are not always as Simple as "he's Right, and he;s Wrong.



3. Conflicts come when my Strengths become my Weaknesses.



4. Conflicts can be Used by God.



Rom 8:28 | Rom 12:18



5. It’s never over: Pray for Reconciliation.



Col 4:10 - Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him)...

2 Tim 4:11 - Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 15:36-41

1. Explain what caused the argument between Paul and Barnabas (see Acts 13:13). Who do you naturally side with? Why?

2. Why doesn't the Bible explicitly say who was in the right? What does this say about some conflicts we go through today?

3. Why do you think God used both "teams", despite the fact that the reason they separated wasn't exactly noble?

Breakout Questions:

Pray for anyone YOU are having / have had conflict with in the past. Pray for God to open an obvious door for reconciliation!

Unstoppable Unity - Part 2

Review:

Prov 24:16

For the Love of Unity:

1. Avoid offending people. (Acts 15:19-29)



1 Corinthians 10:32 - - Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God...




Quick Test: If you answer NO, then NO, don’t do it, don’t say it, don’t post it on Facebook!

1. Is this respectful towards their opinion?



Romans 14:1 - - As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.



2. Is this motivated by love?



Romans 14:15 - - For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died.



3. Will this bring peace and encouragement?



Romans 14:19 - - So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.



2. Celebrate Salvation. (Acts 15:30-31)



3. Be an Encourager. (Acts 15:32-35)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 15:19-35

1. If rules don’t save (Acts 15:1-18), why did the apostles give Gentiles these 4 rules?

2. What are ways we as a church can ensure the Gospel of Jesus Christ remains our focal point?

3. What are some ways Christians can be offensive with their freedom in Christ in our day? What would you say to a fellow believer who is offending someone with their freedom?

Breakout Questions:

Are there any areas where you tend to offend people and don’t care? What changes do you need to make?

Unstoppable Unity - Part 1

What must a person do to be saved?

Do I Need to Keep the Old Testament Law to Be Saved?

1. NO! Because keeping the Law can't Change you! (Acts 15:7-9)



2. NO! Because the Law Never Could save anyone! (Acts 15:10-11)



3. NO! Because the New Covenant is here now! (Acts 15:12)

Hebrews 2:4 - While God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Hebrews 8:13 - In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

4. NO! Because God's Word says so! (Acts 15:13-18)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 15:1-18

1. Why did the men from Judea tell the church "you must be circumcised to be saved"? What rules do people try to push today?

2. What is the purpose of the Old Testament Law?

3. Are we required to keep the Old Testament Law (like the 10 Commandments) in order to be saved? Why or why not?

4. What do you have to do in order to be saved, according to verses Acts 15:7, 11?

Breakout Questions:

Pray for someone you know who needs the Lord. What are you doing to be a witness?

Modern Day Miracles

Review: Mark 3:13-15

Follow along with Barnabas as he shares with us photos and stories of God's amazing work on the other side of the world!

The sometimes incomprehensible stories of the disciples in Acts has played out in Barnabas and Martha's life over the past thirty years by simply following God's guidance and not holding back when speaking God's gospel and truth to those in need of hearing it in Thailand and beyond.