CONNECT: Tomorrow, how are you part of the Gospel going out to the ‘ends of the earth’?

WARM-UP  Questions

1. How have we witnessed the Gospel going to the ‘ends of the earth’ so far in Acts?
2. What are the ‘Gospel Opportunities’ that you have had to proclaim Jesus recently?

READ Acts 8:26-29

1. How is it evident that God is the one taking the initiative in this encounter? How is it evident that God takes the ultimate initiative in the work of salvation?
2. How have you witnessed God taking initiative in your life, drawing you to himself? 
3. As you seek to share the Good News, can you think of an example in which you have sensed God really going ‘ahead of you’? What confidence in evangelism does this give you?
4. Even though God ‘takes the initiative’, how we do we still have a role in being proactive in evangelism? What difference does it make to know that the ultimate work conversion is God’s?
5. How is it evident that the Ethiopian was a person of great humility? How did his humility provide fertile soil to truly receive the Good News into his heart and life?
6. How can we be prepared to give an answer for the hope that we have? Share your answer if you can.

READ Acts 8:30-40

1. In what way does the Gospel focus on Jesus? Why is there no Good News without Jesus?
2. How does the reference from Isaiah 53 point to the saving work of Jesus? If someone asked you to explain it, would you be confident to do so? How could you grow in this confidence?
3. How did the Ethiopian just about have everything but was fundamentally dissatisfied? How might that also be true today? What is the ultimate way to satisfaction?
4. What were all the barriers the Ethiopian recognised as having being overcome by the Gospel? What barriers has the Gospel overcome in your life? How about for the world?
5. Why is it essential that the Gospel invites a response?
6. Why do you think our hearts can so often be the stumbling block to responding to the Gospel?

APPLY This Week:  What ‘Gospel Opportunities’ has God placed before you this week?

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On Your Frontline This Week: Have you ever thought about how God sees your colleagues who are hard to love? Have a listen to Sharon’s talk on Working in Two Kingdoms from our Re/Quip conference.

FOCUS Weekend Away

• As we seek to grow as Disciple Makers, we’re going away for a weekend (May 31 - June 2) to Coolum Beach. This is going to be a great time together, with people of all ages and from all three congregations. As you think about growing in your living out of the Gospel, please prayerfully consider coming along. For more info and to register: stbarts.com.au/focus 

Audio and Video 

• “Empowered by the Word” by Mike Paget
• “Remember your Baptism” by Andrew Judd
• “On Taking the Initiative” by Dick Lucas
• “Have Spirit, Will Travel” By Kent Hughes
• “Converted by the Cross” by Tim Keller
  
  Other Helpful Books, Articles, and Courses

• “The Leading of the Lord in Personal Evangelism” by John Piper
  

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