CTK North Bay
A Joy-Spilling Church
June 4, 2023
Main Scripture Reference(s)
Acts 8:1-17,

A Joy-Spilling Church

June 4, 2023   /   Dan McEvoy   /   Acts 8:1-17   /   CTK North Bay

Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Acts 2:1–4 , Acts 6-8, Acts 12-13, Acts 17, Acts 21, Acts 37-39, Acts 42-47 (NIV)

Acts 8:1–8 (NIV), Acts 8:12 (ESV), Acts 8:14–17 (NIV)

What the Holy Spirit Provides:
  • Brings strength to our inner person. Ephesians 3:16 (ESV)
  • Sets us free from the power of sin. Romans 8:1–2 (ESV)
  • Directs us towards God’s will. Romans 8:27 (ESV)
  • The Holy Spirit is our helper. John 14:16 (ESV)
  • The Holy Spirit helps us to pray. Romans 8:26 (ESV)
  • The Holy Spirit empowers us to spread the good news. Acts 1:8 (ESV)
  • The Holy Spirit guides us. John 16:13a (ESV)
  • The Holy Spirit gives us the gifts of the Spirit to do His work. Romans 12:6 (ESV)

⇒ Our community needs to the fruit of the gospel in our lives, so let’s show it.

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

⇒ Our community needs to the good news about Jesus, so let’s share it.

Romans 10:14–15 (NIV)

⇒ Our community needs to the power of God at work, so let’s invite people into it.

1 Corinthians 2:1–5 (NIV)

Question: Is your Spirit filled?


 

Theme: Spirit Filled for All

Share Together

Share a memorable experience. What happened, what did you think/feel and what was the outcome?

Reflect Together

What was most memorable from Sunday’s Message and that has led to action steps you are taking this week?

Read and Discuss Together: 

Acts 8:1–8, 12, 14-17

Context: Luke, the writer of Acts, seems to express the motive of affirming that the message of the gospel Jesus is not just for Jewish but also gentiles (non-Jewish people).

  • In v1, it says that a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, leading to the scattering of believers throughout Judea and Samaria. How do you think this persecution affected the early Christian community?
  • Philip, one of the disciples, went to Samaria and preached the message of Christ. Why do you think Philip chose to go to Samaria specifically?
  • In v6, it says that the crowds listened to Philip and saw the signs he performed. What role do you think miracles and signs played in spreading the Gospel message during this time?
  • The passage mentions that there was great joy in the city as a result of Philip’s preaching and the miracles performed. How do you think the message of the Gospel brings joy to people’s lives to those in our community today?
  • Why do you think the Samaritans hadn’t received the Holy Spirit when they believed and were baptized? What might have been the reason for the delay?
  • How does the inclusion of the Samaritans in the reception of the Holy Spirit challenge cultural and religious prejudices of that time? What can we learn from this in our own context?
  • How does the story in Acts 8:14-17 encourage us to seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit in our own lives? How can we actively pursue a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit?
  • In what ways can we cultivate an openness to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives and communities? How can we support one another in seeking and experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit?
Pray Together:

Share updates of how God has been answering prayer and pray for needs in your group.

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