Spring 2010, Week 9 – Small Group Questions

The sermon for this week from the series “Acts in 3 Acts: Act 3” is titled “Is It Over Yet?“.

What kinds of books or magazines do you read? Do you finish the books you start? Do you read your magazines cover-to-cover?

Read Acts 28:17-31 out loud. What stands out for you in this passage? What questions do you have?
What’s the first thing Paul does when he gets to Rome (v. 17)? Why?
Read Eph. 6:19-20, Phil. 1:14, and Col. 4:3-4. What was Paul’s constant prayer request for himself? Why?
We’ve spent a lot of time looking at the life and ministry of Paul. Is Acts about Paul’s life and ministry? Why or why not? If not, what is Acts actually about?
Why do you think Luke (the author of Acts) doesn’t finish the story?
V. 31 is similar to other summary verses in Acts (see 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20). What does this ending reveal about Luke’s central concern in writing this book?

How does v. 31 set the stage for the way your life could become a continuation of Acts 28? In what way would you like to contribute an “Acts, chapter 29” to this movement of God during the next 2-3 years?
Probably within a few years, Paul was killed by emperor Nero. How would v. 31 serve as a fitting epitaph on Paul’s grave? What might you build into your life now, so that your faith in Christ will be what people remember about you after you die?

Joys and Challenges: What joys and challenges are you facing this week?
Application: Thank God that you get to be a part of the continuing story of Acts. Ask God to help you faithfully live out your calling to be Christ’s witness to the ends of the earth.
Here at Northminster: Pray for Kevin Curtis (our new Young Life Director) and his family as they settle into San Diego this week. Pray for him as he begins his ministry here at Northminster.
Beyond Northminster: Pray for all of the recent graduates in our community. Ask God to guide them as they take the next step in their lives.

Worship SERVICE Day – 2010