Can You Hear Me?

Can You Hear Me? Pastor Greg Stansel Acts 8:26-40 February 20, 2022 Snap shot: We participate in building God’s Kingdom when we are obedient to the Great Commission. I. Hearing the Lord (8:26, 27, 29, 31) II. Knowing His Story (8:30–35) III. Obeying His Commission (8:26–40) Connect What is the hardest part of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with people? Study Point 1: Hearing the Lord (8:26, 27, 29, 31) READ Romans 10 1) In what way is Paul in a conversation with the Lord about those who need to hear the gospel? Why is it just as important for the messenger to be hearing from the Lord as it is the one receiving the message? What are some things we should be hearing from the Lord as messengers of the Gospel? 2) What does Paul reveal about those who need to hear? How do they hear? What role do we play and what role does God play? What hinders some from hearing? How do we keep from getting discouraged? Point 2: Knowing His Story (8:30–35) READ Romans 10:16; Galatians 3:7–9; 2 Timothy 3:14–17 3) What do these passages reveal about the Gospel? Do these passages expand your understanding or view of the gospel? If so, how? How does the story of Israel help us understand the story of humanity? 4) What are some helpful ways to know the whole story of redemption? Why is knowing the story of redemption important? How does it help us share the gospel with the lost? Point 3: Obeying His Commission (8:26–40) READ 1 Thessalonians 1:2–10 5) How does Paul know that the Thessalonians are chosen by God? How do the Thessalonians reveal they are being obedient to the Lord’s commission? What are practical ways your group can start obeying the Great Commission together? 6) What is the importance of the obedience of other believers among the church? Why is it significant that Paul gives thanks to God for the Thessalonians and their obedience? How can you take Paul’s example and encourage others to obey the Great Commission? Practical Applications Applications 1. Start praying for at least one unbeliever every single day. 2. Write out the Bible’s story of redemption (from beginning to end how God is saving His people and from what) as you understand it and have a pastor go over it with you. 3. Spend time in prayer and silence this week to see where the Lord wants you to “GO”. Pray the passage Lord God Almighty, you are merciful and gracious. We praise you Jesus as our Savior and Lord. You alone are our salvation and righteousness. You alone are our good news. Thank you for your sacrifice that leads to our forgiveness, salvation, and righteousness. Thank you for your humiliation that leads to our exaltation. Thank you for your suffering injustice so that we could receive your grace where we deserved justice. We pray that you would give us the sensitivity to hear your leading, the boldness to go, and the hearts to share your gospel to all people. Guide us by your Spirit and lead us to fulfill the great commission you gave us. In Jesus name, Amen. Memorize & Meditate “Then Philip opened his mouth and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus” (Acts 8:35). Preparing for next week Read: Acts 9:1-22 Ask: questions of the text. Pray: through text, for pastor as he prepares, for your heart to hear, for the congregation to hear, for all of us to be obedient.