Experience - End of Week 4

INTRODUCTION
The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion between you and the person you’re studying with, or with your Connect Group. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.

OPEN QUESTIONS
Have you ever witnessed or experienced something that couldn’t be explained away by human reasoning?  Something that you would call supernatural?

HEAD

1. Read Acts 4 together and share any wisdom, insights, or thoughts that come to you from the reading.
2. Other than the Sadducees not believing in the resurrection, why would the leaders have been “disturbed” by Peter and John teaching about resurrection through Jesus?
3. Even in opposition, the message grew and more people came to believe.  What is it about trials that can make a movement even stronger?
4. In verse 13, it says that because of the boldness of Peter and John the religious leaders recognized that they had been with Jesus.  What else do you think was different about Peter and John because of their time with Jesus?
5. In verse 16, the leaders couldn’t deny the miraculous sign, but why do you think they couldn’t receive it either?
6. Why do you think prayer was such a critical part of the early church?
7. What helped the communities be so united in heart and mind? Was it just the work of the Holy Spirit? Do you think there was anything the people had to let go of, or cling to, in order to grow such strong community?

HEART

1. What are some of the practices that most help you “be with Jesus”?  Which, if any, are harder for you?
2. Why do you think some of us have such a hard time praying, whether that’s praying with others, or just praying by ourselves?
3. What are some ways that you and I can work to help foster a more united community (church, home, etc…)?
4. How can you and I help each other keep our focus on Jesus and not get distracted by the many things of the world?

HANDS
Schedule time this week to spend more time in prayer than what may be typical for you, or look for an opportunity to pray together with another person, or group, during the week.  Then consider how you may try to incorporate the above practice into your rhythm throughout the week.

LIVING WORDS FOR YOUR WEEK
“For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”