May 11, 2025
The Story | The Power Of YOUR Story | Chapter 30
The Life Of Jesus
Acts 21 finds Paul in Jerusalem, at the Temple, getting beaten for his faith in Jesus. In a wild turn of events, Paul had the opportunity to talk to those who wanted to kill him. What do you say to people who want you dead? Paul told his story—a story of his own self-righteous zeal, of Jesus meeting him in an unmistakable way, and of a kind believer who stood with him. What a great testimony!
Songs for this week: Spotify
Questions
Acts 21:37-22:22
- Have you heard stories of people coming to believe in Jesus? If so, which one(s) stand out?
- In Paul’s eagerness to serve God, he believed killing Christians was the best thing he could do with his life. What sorts of pursuits do people in our day think are the best thing they can do with their lives?
- Jesus met Paul in a blinding light. It doesn’t always happen that way. How would you say Jesus met—or even still meets—you?
- Ananias stood with Saul and healed him even though Saul (Paul) posed a serious threat. Has anyone ever stood with you as you were moving towards trusting Jesus?
- Paul lit a fuse with his audience by mentioning God’s call to serve the Gentiles. What sorts of resistance have you encountered as you’ve shared your story?
- Give each other the 60-second version of your testimony. What mattered most to you? How did Jesus encounter you? Who came alongside you? Sixty seconds—use a stopwatch!
Share with a friend
Recent Sermons
Acts 13:1-5 -The first Christians had small groups! They knew, because Jesus modelled it, that we’re much better in groups than we are as individuals. The group that gathered in Antioch was diverse, zoned in on Jesus and figuring out how to be outward-facing. Your own group will want all that and more!
Acts 8:9-25 - Simon put on a good show (literally!), but his heart was full of bitterness. He wasn’t healthy and wasn’t taking the steps to be healthy. What about us today?
Acts 2:40-47 - As a church, we’re taking some time to talk about our vision and strategy. We’re hoping to add clarity to why and how we do what we do in this season.
Psalm 129 is a bit of a nasty Psalm! The writer has been oppressed and doesn’t hold back in expressing what that feels like. You might think being a believer means your troubles disappear, but that has never been the case. The good news is that God is neither blind nor indifferent to our struggles.
Psalm 131 - The Psalms of Ascent have it all: anguish, anger, encouragement, and wild joy. Psalm 131 is all about contentment. Where does contentment come from? What ruins it? What does it feel like? How can I be content in an age where marketing, social media and mirrors breed discontent?
Psalm 133 - The Psalms of Ascent were songs for the journey—worshippers sang them as they travelled together toward Jerusalem and the Temple. These Psalms give voice to the sorts of things that go through worshippers' hearts as they prepare to worship.
