The Power of the Advancing Kingdom.

Review:

1 Corinthians 11:1 – Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Hebrews 13:7 - Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

What Kind of Example Are You...?

1. In handling Criticism? (Acts 11:1-18)



5 Wrong Ways of Dealing with Criticism:

1. Taking it personally
2. Blaming others
3. Criticize back
4. Ignoring it
5. Agree to appease



5 Ways Peter Rightly Dealt with Criticism:

1. Understand their point
2. Understand the motivation behind it
3. Take it head-on
4. Be objective
5. Use the Word of God


2. In witnessing Boldly? (Acts 11:19-21)



3. In personal Faithfulness? (Acts 11:22-26)



4. In giving Generously? (Acts 11:27-30)

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

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 11:1-30

Evaluation time! In the 4 areas we discussed, how would you rate the church and rate yourself, personally? Use the 1-10 scale, 1 is “We/I am completely weak here” and 10 is “We/I am a world-changer here”.

HBC                    You, personally

• Handling Criticism
   
• Boldly Witnessing
   
• Personal Faithfulness
   
• Giving Generously

Breakout Questions:

In this evaluation, where were you personally weakest? How can you grow in this area?

The Power is for Everyone!

Review:

God Shows No Partiality.

1. Don't think you're Someone. (Acts 10:21-26)



Review: Gal 6:3



2. Don't look down on Anyone. (Acts 10:27-33)



3. The gospel is for Everyone. (Acts 10:34-48)

Review:

Deuteronomy 10:17 - the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.
Job 34:19 - Who shows no partiality to princes Nor regards the rich above the poor
Romans 2:11 - For there is no partiality with God.
Galatians 2:6 – God shows no partiality
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 6:9 - ...there is no partiality with Him.
1 Peter 1:17 - If you address as Father the One who impartially judges...

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

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 10:21-48

*Be honest – ever feel like someone, or a demographic of "someones" didn't deserve to be saved? How should we deal with those feelings?

How did Peter’s vision show him not to call PEOPLE common or unclean, when the vision displayed a sheet and animals (Acts 10:28, see also Acts 10:11-13 in this chapter)?

How does the Gospel unify people groups despite radically different backgrounds?

Breakout Questions:

Pray against our prejudices. 

The Power of Listening to God.

Review:

Matt 7:7-8 | 2 Tim 3:17

How do I know when God speaks to me?
When God speaks to you...

1. It happens when you are Seeking Him. (Acts 10:1-12)



2. It's for God's purposes. (Acts 10:13-15)



Review: Lev 11 | Lev 20:25-26



3. It's Clear and Repeated . (Acts 10:16)



4. It's Confirmed by others. (Acts 10:17)

Review: Prov 12:15 | Prov 15:22

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

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 10:1-20

1. Describe a time you clearly heard from God. How did you know it was God speaking

2. How can you tell the difference between something God told you, and something that came from your imagination?

3. List ways that God speaks to people today. How can you get an answer from God concerning something you are praying about?

Breakout Questions:

1. Share something SPECIFIC you need prayer for!
2. How will you know when/how God answers that prayer?

The Power of God@Work!

Review:

Is My Ministry About Me or About Jesus?

1. Do I make People the priority? (Acts 9:32)



Review: John 21



2. Do I want people to See Jesus' greatness... or Think I am great? (Acts 9:33-35)



3. Do I manage Interruptions and Overtime well? (Acts 9:36-42)



Review: Mark 5:40



4. Is Prayer my "go-to"? (Acts 9:40)

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

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 9:32-43

1. What do Aeneas, Tabitha, and Simon have in common? What does this say about our approach to ministry?

2. Many Jews hated tanners because they worked with dead animals. Do you have any prejudices? How can you overcome them?

3. *How did you do on the questions evaluating your ministry? In what areas do you struggle?

   1. Do I Make People the Priority? (Acts 9:32)
   2. Do I Want People to See Jesus’ Greatness... or Think I Am Great? (Acts 9:33-35)
   3. Do I Manage Interruptions and Overtime Well? (Acts 9:36-42)
   4. Is Prayer My “Go-To”? (Acts 9:40)

Breakout Questions:
Pray for one another.

The Power of Conversion

Review:

What to Expect When You Are Born Again:

1. Expect to Talk about Jesus... constantly. (Acts 9:20-22)



2. Expect to Mature in the Lord... constantly (Acts 9:22)



3. Expect to need the Church ...constantly (Acts 9:23-31)

Galatians 1:16-18 – (God) was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.

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

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 9:20-31

1. Why didn’t God do a miracle for Saul like He did when He got the apostles out of jail (Acts 9:25)? What does this tell you about God? What does this tell you about man’s responsibility in hardships?

2. Why did the disciples send Saul out of town (Acts 9:30)? Why didn’t they just let him keep preaching?

3. The disciples walked in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:31). How do you, and we as a church keep this balance?

Breakout Questions:

Ask “how well does our church take care of new believers”? What do we do well? Where can we improve? Pray for one another.