Discussion Questions for 01/30/22

Read Acts 20:17-38

1.  What are some examples you can see in recent years on how various churches have made their ministry more about the name & fame of their pastor and not the name of Jesus?  In your spiritual journey have you ever done this?  Why can this be so destructive to both an individual’s faith and to the health of the church?

2.  Read Acts 20 versus 20 & 27 again.  What do you believe it means to preach or proclaim the whole counsel of God?  How do you see some pastors compromising on this today?  What do you believe could be their motivation for compromising?  Do you believe there is power in “watered-down preaching?”  Why or why not?

3.  Read Acts 20:24 again.  In your own words describe what you believe Paul means by this statement.  Is this meant to be applicable to every Christian and if yes, how might it be practically lived out each day?

4. Pastor Jim stated, “Courage is not the absence of fear but is the willingness to step out with your fear trusting God to take care of you.”  When it comes to sharing the gospel do you think it is fear holding you back and why?  What do you think you could do to get beyond fear being an obstacle for you?

5. Share your own thoughts in regard to Pastor Jim’s analogy between cancer and the gospel.  Which cure is more vital to a human life and why?   

6. Both Pastor Jim & Sam, over the past 2 Sundays, reminded us that Immanuel’s highest purpose is not our fellowship through Sunday, gatherings, our GC’s, discipleship groups or hanging out together.  What is our highest mission?  Over the years have you settled for fellowship over mission as the church’s highest purpose?  Explain.  

7. Group Brainstorm Session:  Anything goes.  Have fun with it.  Each group is to come up with a list of creative ways to share the good news of Jesus Christ with people if their everyday lives and in the church’s community.  Have someone write down, ideas for the group.  Group leaders will compile and share with everyone.  Is there one way you sense the Holy Spirit prompting you to share the good news in February?