Today, we continue the chapter-by-chapter study of Acts, focusing on the early church's persecution and the role of suffering in a believer's life. We emphasized that despite the seeming triumph of evil, like King Herod's actions against James and Peter, suffering is a part of the Christian journey that should be expected. Drawing from scriptures, Pastor highlights the concept of hope amid grief, reminding the congregation that God uses all experiences—both good and bad—to guide believers toward eternal life with Him. Ultimately, he reassures that nothing can separate us from God's love, and through faith in Jesus, we are promised a glorious future beyond our current suffering.

1.  Who or What is a small thing that’s brought you unexpected comfort lately

2. What does it mean to have a 'hope' in the context of suffering, as described in the sermon? How can focusing on this hope impact the way you respond to challenges and disappointments in your life?

3. What can we learn from the examples of David and Paul about trusting in God during tough times, especially when life seems unfair? (Use Psalm 23 & Romans 8 as your reference)

4. Can you think of a current situation where you might need to apply David's or Paul's perspective? How can this group help you in this scenario?

Today, we discussed the persecution faced by early Christians, particularly focusing on the contrasting fates of Peter and James in Acts 12. We emphasized that following Jesus does not guarantee an easy life, highlighting that suffering and injustice are part of the Christian journey. The sermon outlines the importance of expecting trials and remaining anchored in hope, believing that God is always at work for our good, even amidst pain. Ultimately, we are reminded that nothing can separate us from the love of God, reinforcing the steadfastness of faith in difficult times. 

1.  Why do you think the early church faced so much persecution, as seen with James' execution and Peter's imprisonment? Have you ever experienced a time when your beliefs or actions led to difficulties or challenges in your life? How did you respond?

2. How do you respond to the expectation of suffering as a follower of Jesus hit you? How can that perspective change your view on life's challenges?

3. What’s the difference between suffering for Christ and suffering from the consequences of poor choices? Why does that distinction matter?

4. Everyone take a moment to read Romans 8:28 from a few different translations. Talk about a time when something difficult in your life led to a positive outcome?

In today's message, we delved into Acts 12, highlighting the early church's struggles and the persecution faced by its leaders. Tom provides a backdrop on the rapid growth of the church following the resurrection of Jesus and recounts key moments in its history, including miraculous healings and the spread of the gospel to Gentiles. The chapter marks a shift, as the Jewish authorities begin to persecute believers, exemplified by King Herod's execution of James, one of the original disciples, which sets the tone as Peter finds himself in a similar predicament. Tom elaborates on the character of King Herod, tracing his lineage back to Herod the Great, and contextualizing the political motivations behind Herod's actions. This leads into a consideration of the challenging questions surrounding faith and suffering, particularly why some like James suffer persecution while others, like Peter, may escape it. Tom sets the stage for a deeper exploration of these themes in the coming discussions, prompting listeners to reflect on the complexities of faith during challenging times and the nature of divine intervention. 

1. What part of James and Peter’s journey stood out to you most—and why?

2. How does seeing James and Peter’s flaws and personalities help you relate to them as real

people instead of just Bible characters?

3. How do you find peace with unanswered questions about suffering? What has “faithfulness in suffering” looked like in your life?

4. When life feels confusing or painful—like when prayers go unanswered or outcomes don’t seem fair—what helps you hold onto God in those moments? Are there specific truths, practices, or people that keep your faith steady?

5. How might this group help you prepare to stay grounded when the next hard season comes?

Pastor Trent Forrest wrapped up the miniseries the Blueprint of Discipleship by encouraging individuals to evaluate their current walk with God and to recognize His presence in their lives. Through the lens of John 15, he illustrated how Jesus, the True Vine, calls His followers to remain connected to Him for spiritual growth and fulfillment, like a gardener cultivating fruit.

1.  In your own words, what does it mean to 'abide' in Jesus and in what ways do you incorporate moments of connection with Jesus into your everyday routine?

2. How does the role of the gardener in our lives, help your understanding of God’s love and care for us? Can you share a time in your life when you felt like God was pruning or shaping you for something better?

3. In John 15:8, Jesus says that we glorify the Father by producing much fruit. What do you think this fruit looks like in a believer's life?

4. In response to Sunday’s message, what is your next step spiritually? And in what ways can your Life Group help you?

This morning, Pastor Tex introduced a mini-series on discipleship, emphasizing that it is fundamentally about following Jesus, becoming like Him, and helping others do the same. By examining the stories of the Israelites and the early disciples, he illustrates the consequences of neglecting discipleship and the transformative power of intentionally sharing faith. Ultimately, Tex urges everyone to actively invest in relationships where they can encourage others in their faith journey, fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples.

1. Being that it is spring break in our county, can you share a time on a vacation or trip when things didn't go as planned, but ultimately worked out for good?

2. As Tom asked during the message, “Can you think of a time in your life when you did what you thought God was asking you to do and the results were not what you expected?

3. Why do you think it is important to acknowledge that we may not see immediate success when we try to follow God's plan?

4. In what ways do you remind yourself that God is still present during difficult times, as suggested in the sermon?

5. Conclude your time by leading a group prayer. Here’s a suggested framework:

• Thanksgiving: Begin by thanking God for His constant presence (“I AM”) in every season of life.
• Confession & Trust: Acknowledge that sometimes we face challenges and unexpected detours when following His calling, yet we learn to trust that He is working for our good.
• Commitment: Ask for the strength to remain steadfast even when the results aren’t immediately apparent, and for the wisdom to see His promises unfold over time.
• Blessing: End by inviting God to bless each person’s journey, renewing their faith as they continue to seek and trust Him.

Synopsis of Acts 11:1-18:
In this passage, Peter returns to Jerusalem after sharing the Gospel with Gentiles and faces criticism from some believers for having associated with those they considered “unclean.” Peter explains how, while praying in Joppa, God gave him a vision—a sheet lowered from heaven filled with various animals. In that vision, God declared that nothing should be considered impure, overturning long-held traditions about clean and unclean. Peter then recounts how, through God’s guidance, he went to Cornelius’s home, where the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles just as it had on the Jewish believers. This divine act confirmed that God’s plan was inclusive, extending salvation to all, regardless of background. Peter’s explanation not only justified his actions but also challenged the early church to rethink its boundaries and embrace a broader understanding of community.

Message Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think gave Peter the courage to follow God’s call, even when it wasn’t popular?

2. Reflecting on Acts 11:1-3, have you ever felt compelled or challenged to offer an explanation to fellow believers for engaging with individuals outside your faith community? Please share as much as you feel comfortable sharing regarding the specific situation, your emotions, and any insights you gained from that experience.

3. We see God’s continued work in Peter’s life change his views on what was considered acceptable. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to grow or change?

4. Acts 10-11 shows the push and pull between our personal desires and God’s plan for us... How aligned are you when it comes to what you want and what you feel God is calling you to do?

GOING DEEPER: 

Conclude your group by choosing one clear action you can take this week to reach out/build stronger relationships in your community. Share that specific step with everyone in the group. Then, join together in prayer, asking God to guide your week so that His will is accomplished through each of you.

Scripture: Acts 10

Overcoming Barriers Part 1 -- Inspired by Peter and Cornelius’ story, we recognize that cultural and personal barriers can and will hinder our outreach if we let them. In this activity, we'll identify our own obstacles and discuss ways to overcome them, so we can see and connect with others as God does.

Have each person anonymously write down one barrier that keeps them from connecting with “outsiders” (e.g., cultural differences, preconceived notions, differing beliefs, etc.) Collect and set aside the submissions until the end of your discussion.

1. How does Peter’s vision -- repeated three times -- encourage you to consider the ways God persistently calls you to step out of your comfort zone? Talk about a time it has taken God calling multiple times for you act...

2. Peter was caught between what he’d always known and what God was revealing to him. How can recognizing our own barriers open us up to seeing others how God sees them?

3. Tom encouraged us to read Acts 10:34-48 on our own. As a group, read Acts 10:34-48. What words, phrases, moments, or revelations stood out to you from this passage?

Overcoming Barriers Part 2 -- Before you complete the activity, word a prayer asking God to help you see people the way He sees people. With the backdrop of Peter & Cornelius’ story, randomly draw a cultural barrier and discuss how best your group might overcome that barrier in order to reach people with the message of the gospel.

Scripture: Acts 10

1. Can you think of a time in your own life when you felt uncertain about a decision but chose to move forward anyway?

2. Why do you think it's often difficult for people to take the first step of faith without knowing the next steps?

3. How can intentional prayer, as exhibited by Cornelius and Peter, help guide us in understanding God's will?

4. What does Peter's initial reaction of 'Absolutely not!' reveal about the struggles we face when God asks us to step outside our comfort zones?

5. Have you ever had a moment where you resisted something you felt was God's calling? How did you ultimately react?

6. What is one step you can take this week to step outside your comfort zone and share Jesus with others?

Scripture: Acts 10:1-8

1. Think of a time when you prayed regularly about something important. How did that shape your understanding or situation?

2. How can regular prayer lead to significant changes in our lives, similar to how it did for Cornelius?

3. What is one area of your life where you feel you could give more to God? How might that change your experience of Him?

4. Reflecting on Acts 10:3, what significance do you think the phrase ‘one day’ holds in the context of change and hope?

5. What is something you are currently hoping or praying for that you imagine might happen ‘one day’? How does that impact your daily actions?

6. What are some ways you can incorporate seeking God’s vision into your prayer life this week?

Scripture: Acts 10:1-8

1. Are you more of a detailed planner or a “go with the flow” person? Why?

2. In his message, Tom suggests that “more” might mean giving more of ourselves to God. What is one area of your life where you feel God is asking for more?

3. What’s one “regular” thing you do—like Cornelius praying—that helps you feel closer to God?

4. Cornelius and others in the Bible acted in faith without knowing the full plan. How do you respond when God calls you to take a step of faith without all the details?

5. How do you remain faithful when you feel like you’re “one day away” from an answer to prayer?

6. Acts 10 marks a shift in taking the gospel to the Gentiles. What barriers in your life or community might God be calling you to cross to share His love?