Experience S2 - End of Week 1

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
As we begin the journey of exploring the risks we’re willing to take for the gospel of Jesus Christ, what would you consider as some of the biggest risks you’ve taken in life, and feel free to share some fun ones and some more serious ones with the group.

HEAD

1. Read Acts 6:8-15, and share any wisdom, insights, or thoughts concerning the reading of the passage.
2. How do you picture someone like Stephen, who is full of both God’s grace and His power?  What do you think he was like? How did he hold those two qualities so well?
3. Why do you think the other Jewish men were ok with lying about Stephen?
4. How was Stephen able to not react in anger to these false accusations, but instead try to reason with the other Jews?
5. What a contrast between Stephen’s face, and what I imagine the face of the Jewish leaders in this moment.
6. Read Acts 7:44-8:3, and share any wisdom, insights, or thoughts concerning the reading of the passage.
7. Scholars have different thoughts, why do you think Jesus was standing instead of sitting next to God?
8. Saul was standing there, watching the stoning take place. Do you think this moment stuck with him after the fact?  If so, in what way?

HEART

1. Do you think that Stephen started this speech knowing what the outcome could be?  In other words, do you think he knew the full risk he was taking in this moment?
2. The Jewish men stopped listening and just lashed out at that which was different from what they believed. What kinds of things happen to us when we stop listening to others?
3. What practices could you and I adopt in our lives to help us maintain a level head and remain gracious even when attacked?
4. Are there things you believe that you’d be willing to risk your life for?

HANDS
Make a list of the things that are a part of your faith that you know you’d be willing to stand up for.  Feel free to list things you still have questions about concerning your faith; maybe you’d like to be more sure, but you’re just not there yet.  Think of someone you can share both lists with, and maybe even talk about your beliefs and what matters most.

LIVING WORDS FOR YOUR WEEK
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
1 Peter 3:15 NIV