October 1, 2011

Key Thought: God changed Saul’s opposition to the young church resulting in a strong ministry to the Gentiles..

1. Have a volunteer read Acts 6:9-15.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.

B. What was Stephen being accused of? Were these accusations true, partially true, or completely false? Share.

C. Personal Application: How do you think you would handle being partially or falsely accused in misrepresentation of your witnessing? Would you calmly accept the accusation? Vigorously deny them? Get angry and upset?

D. Case Study : One of your relatives states, “I think you have to be careful about what you say and take a stand on. There is a chance that if you’re not sure of what you say, you could be wrong.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Acts 9:13-16.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.

B. Was Paul just zealously misguided and God set him on the right path to use his zeal correctly, or was Paul an evil self-righteous Pharisee that God’s grace completely changed? Share. Think of some of Paul’s statements in his epistles

C. Personal Application: In what ways do you feel you are a recipient of God’s grace? Did you deserve it because God knew you were a good person and would do the right think eventually?

D. Case Study: One of your friends states, ”The best way not to get in trouble is not to say anything. Nobody could accuse you if you don’t get their attention in the first place. Just keep quiet and worship God quietly and secretly if necessary.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read I Corinthians Acts 11:22-26.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.

B. Why did the disciples go to Antioch to speak to the Greeks during this time?

C. Personal Application: Do you think Christians will be more against us that the only ones that will listen to us are non-believers? Or will it be easier to reach Christians than others?

D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Why did Barnabas seek Paul and ask him to go to Antioch, and why did they stay a whole year? Does that have anything to do with them being first called Christians in Antioch?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Acts 15:1-5.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.

B. Were the Jewish believers completely wrong or just trying to make sure the Gentiles followed all the rules? Share

C. Personal Application: Are there people in the SDA church that are trying to add to or take away from the present day message that could trouble the believers?

D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this
week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with
them.

(Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” Ministry of Healing, p. 149)

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