Living in His Kingdom

Living in His Kingdom

Acts 1:1-11

We have a different lifestyle. (1-5)

We have a clear mission. (6-8)

We have an unerring hope. (9-11)

For the Next Lesson – Spreading the Gospel

1. Read Acts 1:8. What did you think the apostles understood Jesus to mean when He said to “be my witnesses”? Where were Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the “end of the earth” from the perspective of the apostles who were there with Jesus (see vs. 4 and maps in your Bible or online)? Where are Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the “end of the earth” for us? So, how would you summarize in your own words what Jesus was charging the apostles to do? What is Jesus charging us to do? What does this look like for us as Christians who live in Russellville, Arkansas?

2. Read Matthew 28:18-20. What is the main verb and command in this passage (hint: it is not “go”)? What are the three actions that characterize what it looks like to follow this command? Where should this command be followed and with whom? This command was originally given to the apostles, does it also apply to each of us as Christians? Why or why not? Why do you think this passage has been labeled The Great Commission? What does it look like to live out The Great Commission in real life?

3. Read 1 Peter 3:15. Are you prepared to claim Jesus as your Lord and Savior no matter what persecution, suffering or ridicule you face? Do you feel prepared to explain to others why you believe in Jesus as your Savior? Do you feel prepared to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with other people in your sphere of influence? Explain why you do or don’t feel prepared for each of these questions. How can you grow in being prepared to participate in sharing about Jesus with others?

4. So what. Based on these passages, should evangelism be a regular and normal part of your life? Why or why not? What keeps you from participating more in evangelism? Who in your sphere of influence can you pray for and seek to reach with the Good News of Jesus Christ? Take some time to do three things: write down specific names for people you want to reach, pray regularly for those people, and develop a plan for how and when to build a relationship with them and share the Gospel with them. (Note: We will have an equipping class during the 9:00 hour starting February 3 called Sharing Jesus without Fear.)