Ordinary People with an Extraordinary Mission

The weekend doesn't have to end. Keep Talking on your own or with a group.

Start Talking - Find conversation starters for the group or with a friend.

• Share your best Mother’s Day memory. What made it so special?
• What do you appreciate most about your mother?

Keep Reading – Read the Scripture and ask a question to get the group thinking.

Acts 2:42-46

• Read this passage and share a few things that surprise you about the early Church.
• Pastor Julie shared several traits of the early Church from this passage. Here are a few of them:
  • ­ They devoted themselves to teaching and prayer.
  • ­ They cared for each other.
  • ­ Church wasn’t just a place to go to, but a mission to give their lives to.
  • ­ They sacrificed much and exhibited a radical commitment to this new way of life.

Which of the traits listed above or in the passage do you want to see more in your life?

Acts 4:36-37

For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

• Joseph was nicknamed Barnabas because he was a great encourager. Pastor Julie said this word means “to come alongside someone and strengthen them.” Who are two people you could encourage in this way this week?
• Why is it so rare to find people today like Barnabas? Why does it seem so much easier to criticize and tear people down?

Keep Talking – Choose questions to create openness.

Since Barnabas was known by his nickname, this became his reputation: He was an encourager! Pastor Julie challenged us that this should be our reputation too. Here are three things that Barnabas did, and you can also, that made him a great encourager:

1. He OPENED a DOOR that someone couldn’t open for themselves.

• Read Acts 9:26-28. How did Barnabas open a door for Paul? How could Barnabas step up and do that when so many others feared Paul?
• Pastor Julie shared how her sister opened a door for her that made all the difference in her life. As you reflect, who opened a door for you so you could find salvation, freedom, forgiveness, or even God’s will at a particular time?

2. God OPENED his EYES and gave him Spiritual vision.

• In other words, God gave him spiritual vision that enabled him to see in others what they couldn’t see for themselves. Specifically, while everyone else saw what Paul did in his past, Barnabas saw what God wanted to do with his future!
• Pastor Julie shared how important it is for all of us to do this with the younger generation. She said, “When everyone’s talking about a generation that’s lost its way, we’re going to find more ways to point them to the Way!” Share how you could do this starting today.

3. Barnabas OPENED his HAND and Gave what he had.

• Read Acts 4:37. Barnabas didn’t only see things and share encouraging words with others, but he was also a man of action. Pastor Julie shared what a great sacrifice selling this land was to Barnabas. Share a few of the ways she said this sale personally cost Barnabas.
• Pastor Julie said the early church in Acts “gave up something they wanted so someone could find what they needed.” Share a time you have sacrificed similarly, at great cost to you, but it was a privilege to do so.

Keep Moving/Going – Commit to a step and live it out this week.

In closing, Pastors Todd and Julie challenged us to do two things this week as we prepare for next Sunday’s Heart for the House offering:

1. Pray

They shared that the most important thing we can do is ask God, “What do you want me to give?” Will you commit to doing that this week?

2. Plan

Isaiah 32:8 says, “But generous people plan to do what is generous.” What will your next step be after you pray and hear from God? God may not call you to sell some land like Barnabas did (Acts 4:37), but what plans will you need to make to honor your commitment to God?

Keep Praying

• Allow time for prayer requests from everyone in the group.
• Pray

Keep Praising

“This Is Our God” – Phil Wickham

“Goodness of God” – Bethel Music

“Gratitude” – Brandon Lake

Or check out our "Faith Over Fear" playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.

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