Benjamin Murphy
Small Group Questions
Benjamin Murphy
Sermon Series Highlights
Sermon Series Highlights

Baptism

The Power of Meeting Jesus.

Review:

1 Timothy 1:15-16 - The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
 

What We Learn About Grace:

  1. The Worst people can receive grace. (Acts 9:1-14)


  2. Grace Chooses you because God wants to use you. (Acts 9:15)

    3. Review: Eph 2:10


  3. Receiving grace does not mean "Exempt from Suffering". (Acts 9:16)

    4. Review: Phil 1:29 | 2 Cor 11 | Acts 5:41 | Phil 3:10


  4. We have the privilege of Demonstrating grace. (Acts 9:17-19)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!


Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 9:1-19

  1. *Read 1 Timothy 1:15-16. How does Paul’s conversion story serve “as an example”?
     
  2. Why do you think Saul was so zealous to hunt down and arrest Christians (Acts 9:4)? How do you see such zeal against Christians today? Do you think it’s the same kind of motivation?
     
  3. Why do you think God got Ananias involved (Acts 9:10-12)? What does this say about how God may use you to disciple someone?
     
  4. Paul obviously had a special calling (Acts 9:15). Does every believer have a special calling, or just some? Defend your answer biblically!

Breakout Questions:
Pray for one another. Pray specifically for those baptized: Corinne, Sherri, Stephen, Kate!

Power in Personal Evangelism.

Review:


Personal Evangelism 101:


  1. Look for those that are Seeking. (Acts 8:26-29)


  2. Meet people where they Are. (Acts 8:30-35a)

    3. Review: John 4


  3. Make it about Jesus. (Acts 8:35b)


  4. Encourage a Decision. (Acts 8:36-40)

(Listen to Baptism 101)

  • What is baptism?
    Baptism is a visible, God-chosen, God-commanded, response to my faith. See Acts 2

  • Who is baptism for?
    It is for people who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

    • Common Excuses for not getting Baptized:

    1. "I was baptized when I was a baby."
    2. "I'd offend my parents and and family." See Acts 5:29
    3. "I need to wait until I'm on track spiritually."
    4. "I don't like being in front of people."
    5. "I need to pray about it."

  • What is the purpose of baptism?
    It is the profession of faith. See Rom 6:1-5

  • When should a person be baptized?
    It is to be done immediately upon belief.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 8:26-40

  1. How can you tell if an unsaved person YOU know (coworker, gym buddy, neighbor, whatever) is seeking?

  2. In Acts 8:35, we see Philip’s message was about Jesus. What specifically do unsaved people need to know about Jesus?

  3. *Imagine a Christian friend of yours never got baptized, but asked you, "Why should I get baptized?" How would you answer this?

Breakout Questions:
Pray for one another.

Baptism 101

A Divine Interruption...

Isaiah 7:14 - Messiah would be born of a virgin

Isaiah 9:6-7 - There would be a Son called God

Isaiah 35:4-6 - Messiah would perform miracles

Isaiah 40:1-5,9 - Messiah would be preceded by a messenger

Isaiah 49:6 - God’s salvation would reach the ends of the earth


  1. Realize that I am a SINNER (Romans 3:23)

  2. Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my SIN and rose from the dead to give me eternal LIFE. (1 Corinthians 15:3)

  3. Repent from my sin (Acts 3:19)

  4. Receive Jesus Christ as my LORD and Saviour (Philippians 2:11)
    1. Make it Personal through my profession (Romans 10:9-10)

    2. Take it Public by being baptized (Matthew 28:1-2)

  5. Daily yield my Will, allowing God to work in me and through me (Romans 8:29)
    1. What is baptism?
      Baptism is a Visible, God-Chosen, God- Commanded Response to My Faith

    2. Who is it for?
      It is for people who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Most Common Excuses for Not Getting Baptized

  1. I was baptized as a Baby.

  2. I’d Offend my parents / family.

  3. I need to wait until I am On track spiritually.

  4. I don’t like being in front of People.

  5. I need to Pray about it.
    1. What is its purpose?
      It is the profession of faith.

    2. When should a person be baptized?
      It is to be done immediately upon belief.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 8:25-38

Breakout Questions:
Pray for one another.