Unstoppable and Unbound.

Review:

Romans 8:28

Good Things Come from Bad Problems:

1. When you're Bothered enough to do something about your problems. (Acts 16:16-18)



2. When you trust God enough to Worship during your problems. (Acts 16:19-25)



3. When you Love the people are contributing to your problems. (Acts 16:26-34)



4. When you Stand for others because of your problems. (Acts 16:35-40)

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

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 16:16-40

1. Why did the slave girl's message annoy Paul, since her message was Biblically true (Acts 16:17-18)?

2. Why did God use an angel for a previous prison break, but used an earthquake here (Acts 16:26)? What does this tell you about how God works?

3. *Do hard circumstances cause YOU to worship or avoid God (Acts 16:25)? Why?

4. Why didn’t the other prisoners run when the earthquake freed them (Acts 16:28)? What does this say about the power of your testimony regarding the people who surround YOU? How are you doing in the area of letting people see your faith lived out?

5. Why did Paul demand the magistrate come down personally (Acts 16:37-39)? What trial have you faced that  that drives you to look out for others in similar trials?

Breakout Questions:

Have you been patient, gentle, and forbearing in your relationships this week (spouse, children, friends, co-workers)? Where could you have done better? How will you improve?

Unstoppable Witness.

Review:

How Do I Know When God is Working on Someone's Heart?

1. Is the door open to Witness? (Acts 16:11-12)



2. Is the person Seeking God? (Acts 16:13-14a)



3. Is the person open to the Word? Acts 16:14b)



4. Is the person ready to Obey? (Acts 16:15a)



5. Is the person wanting to Serve? (Acts 16:15b)



1 Peter 4:9 - Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

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

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 16:11-15

1. How do you know someone’s heart is opened by God (Acts 16:14)? What should you do? Who do you know that seems open right now?

2. What should you do if someone you want to witness to, or tried witnessing to, doesn’t seem open?

3. Acts 16:15 says Lydia's household was baptized. Is this proof of infant salvation? Why or why not?

Breakout Questions:

1. Did you abide through prayer and Bible reading this week?
2. What specifically are you moved to change or apply this week and how are you going to apply it?

Unstoppable Guidance.

Review:

Quick Reminders:

1. All born-again believers have the Holy Spirit.



2. One of the things the Holy Spirit does is Guide believers.



Rom 8:14 - For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.



3. You can Resist, or Follow, His guidance.

Two ways to Resist:

• Grieving the Spirit:
  

  Eph 4:30 - And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.



• Quenching the Spirit:
  

  1 Thes 5:19 - Do not quench the Spirit.

I Will Follow the Holy Spirit When I Drop Some Things.

1. I must drop my personal Rights. (Acts 16:1-5)
   

   Phil 2:6-7 - ...who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.



2. I must drop my personal Plans. (Acts 16:6-10)

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

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 16:1-10

1. Why did Paul get Timothy circumcised after the church leaders just said that wasn't necessary for salvation (Acts 16:1, 11)? What does this say about us "laying down our rights" for the sake of the Gospel?
    
2. What "rights" do Christians sometimes hold on to - that should be let go of - for the sake of the Gospel? Be specific.
    
3. In what ways does the Holy Spirit guide someone? Again: Be specific. How can you tell the difference between the Spirit speaking and "that was just your imagination"?
    
4. Why would God say NO to something good, like doing mission work in a certain area (Acts 16:6-7)? What does this say about when God tells you NO about doing something, even something good?

Bonus Question: 5 - Explain grieving the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30) and quenching the Holy Spirit (1 Thes 5:19). What is the difference between the two?

Breakout Questions:

What is the Holy Spirit telling YOU to do, or to NOT do? Be specific. Pray for clarity in direction and faith to obey. 

Unstoppable Despite Conflict.

Review:

5 Reality Checks about Christians and Conflice:

1. Conflicts happen among God's People.



2. Conflicts are not always as Simple as "he's Right, and he;s Wrong.



3. Conflicts come when my Strengths become my Weaknesses.



4. Conflicts can be Used by God.



Rom 8:28 | Rom 12:18



5. It’s never over: Pray for Reconciliation.



Col 4:10 - Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him)...

2 Tim 4:11 - Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.

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

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 15:36-41

1. Explain what caused the argument between Paul and Barnabas (see Acts 13:13). Who do you naturally side with? Why?

2. Why doesn't the Bible explicitly say who was in the right? What does this say about some conflicts we go through today?

3. Why do you think God used both "teams", despite the fact that the reason they separated wasn't exactly noble?

Breakout Questions:

Pray for anyone YOU are having / have had conflict with in the past. Pray for God to open an obvious door for reconciliation!

Unstoppable Unity - Part 2

Review:

Prov 24:16

For the Love of Unity:

1. Avoid offending people. (Acts 15:19-29)



1 Corinthians 10:32 - - Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God...




Quick Test: If you answer NO, then NO, don’t do it, don’t say it, don’t post it on Facebook!

1. Is this respectful towards their opinion?



Romans 14:1 - - As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.



2. Is this motivated by love?



Romans 14:15 - - For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died.



3. Will this bring peace and encouragement?



Romans 14:19 - - So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.



2. Celebrate Salvation. (Acts 15:30-31)



3. Be an Encourager. (Acts 15:32-35)

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

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 15:19-35

1. If rules don’t save (Acts 15:1-18), why did the apostles give Gentiles these 4 rules?

2. What are ways we as a church can ensure the Gospel of Jesus Christ remains our focal point?

3. What are some ways Christians can be offensive with their freedom in Christ in our day? What would you say to a fellow believer who is offending someone with their freedom?

Breakout Questions:

Are there any areas where you tend to offend people and don’t care? What changes do you need to make?