Gather. Grow. Go Questions 11.6.24

November 6, 2024

“Don’t miss the forest for the trees.” – Made to be with Jesus. – Acts 4:1-22

• I propose that the ultimate reason for our existence is to glorify God by being with Him and enjoying Him. First, what do you think about that statement? Second, if this statement is correct how does, or could, living life through that lens affect the way you live? Your work life? Your family life? Your community life? Your “church” life?
• Mark 3:13-15 – …so that they might be with him… 
  • Does this effect your view of being a disciple of Jesus? Have there been any individual trees that have consumed your attention and devotion to the point of missing the forest, being with Jesus? 
• Acts 4:13b – “And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” Can we be with Jesus? How can we be with Jesus? 
• Here are a few ways we can be with Jesus: The written Word, prayer, fellowship (local church), evangelism/disciple-making (go where Jesus goes and do what Jesus does), and in, around, over, and under all of them is the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17).
  • Have you thought of these disciplines as means for being with Jesus? Does that change how you approach these disciplines?
  • Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as “another Helper,” or “another one of Me.” How does that affect you knowing that the very Spirit of Jesus is dwelling in you as a disciple of Jesus?
• Four results of spending time with Jesus: boldness (Acts 4:13), authority to do the extraordinary (Acts 4:4, Acts 4:13), inspires us to obey God (Acts 4:17-19), and gives us something to say (Acts 4:19-20).
  • Do you recognize a need for growth in any of these? Have you experienced how being with Jesus has helped you grow in any of these areas?

What’s stopping you? – Acts 4:23-37

• We desire to be disciples of Jesus who make disciples of Jesus. Is there a greater force that is keeping you/us from doing that? What’s stopping you?
• We looked at five reasons why this prayer in Acts 4 is relevant and necessary for you and I to pray now: what was asked (Acts 4:29-30), when it was prayed (threats against the preaching of Jesus, truth), to who it was prayed (Acts 4:24-28), who is praying (Acts 4:23-24), and the answer that came (Acts 4:31).
  • For you personally, what threats do you perceive in your life that may be keeping you or threatening you to keep silent about Jesus? For us as a local church?
  • Do you find that you pray more about your earthly “kingdom,” your American freedom, your present comfort, than the advancement of the Kingdom of God, your freedom in Christ, bearing your cross daily, or making disciples?
  • Do you want to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit so you can share the Gospel with power and effectiveness? If you do, personalize this prayer in Acts 4 and make it part of your daily prayer life.