THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

Why do we memorize God’s word? Jesus memorized scripture and He also invites us to this practice for the purpose of renewing our minds and transforming our lives. Memorizing scripture helps us know who God is and His will for us, see the world through His eyes, fight temptation, live in obedience, share the Gospel message and enjoy a hidden life with Christ.

1 Peter 3:15

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

Choose to spend a few minutes each day reciting the verse above, allowing its truth to shape your thoughts and heart. Write it out. Put it on your bathroom mirror, your fridge or car dashboard.

personal reflection & small group materials

Anchor Scripture: Acts 1:6-8

Jesus appears to his disciples after His resurrection and promises the gift of the Holy Spirit to equip his followers to be witnesses for His saving power.

So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’

Small Group Intro Week 7

Reflection and Small Group Questions

Use the lectio divina practice to reflect upon the anchor scripture. What words or ideas stood out to you? Why?

Read Acts 8:1. What do you notice? What was the impetus there for church to go out? What, if any, implications might this have for the church today?

None of us live in these ancient near eastern areas referred to in Acts 1. But Read John 17:13-19.

• What does it mean to “belong to the world” here?

• If we are sent into the world in the same way Jesus was, how was Jesus sent? What was the character of his presence to those he was sent to?

Think about your places today - work, schools, neighborhoods, groups of people you interact with. In these “worlds” (to use the word from John 17), we do not “belong to” them and aren’t merely “in” them. We are sent into them by the Father. What difference does that make to how you think about these places?

For you personally, what attitude, idea, or practice can you apply from this passage to help you to “live like Jesus” in your own life?

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

Take time to listen to the Spirit and ask for guidance as you discover, shape and share your faith story:

• Pick your most profound experience of God and how it affected you and your life.

• Hone the story into a concise and compelling narrative which you can effortlessly share.

• Be open to appropriate opportunities to share the story.

• Be open to discussion regarding your story and how it might inspire or challenge.