Acts 3 & 4

Grace Chapel Wilsonville

Teachings App

Acts 3 & 4

Be with Jesus. Be like Jesus. Do what Jesus would do if he were you.

February 18, 2024 • Jake Schwein • Acts 3, Acts 4

In 2006, Pastor Jake and his wife embarked on a journey to adopt their oldest child from Rwanda, Africa.

Their stay in the country extended past seven weeks as they navigated the bureaucratic process to bring their child home.

While in Nairobi, Kenya, they taught their daughter how to swim in a hotel pool. One memory stands out for Jake: his daughter clinging to him as they ventured into the deeper parts of the pool.

Eventually, she learned how to swim on her own and found joy in exploring deeper water.

This memory parallels the journey of discovering the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is like the depths of a pool—even though it may seem scary at first, it’s ultimately a beautiful place to explore.

Just as Pastor Jake's daughter eventually found joy in exploring the depths of the pool, we, too, can find joy in exploring our relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.

Let us all strive to go deeper and experience all the Holy Spirit offers.

Discussion Questions:

1. Discuss your thoughts on how Acts 3-4 demonstrates "Living: The Spirit-Filled Life".

2. Have you ever experienced or witnessed a miracle? Share your experience.

3. Can you think of a time when you saw someone take a bold action for their faith? How did it impact those who witnessed it? Discuss how taking bold steps in faith, even in small ways, can influence others around us.

4. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to stand up for your beliefs or values, especially when it was unpopular or risky? What gave you the courage to do so?

5. How does prayer support you in difficult times, and how can we support each other in prayer as a group? How does prayer influence your actions and decisions?

Group Practice:

As a group, ask if anyone needs healing in any way, Physically, Emotionally, Mentally, or Spiritually. Take turns as a group gathering around each person that needs healing, ask if they are comfortable with people placing a hand on them; if so, put a hand on their shoulder or back, then pray simple, bold prayers, IN JESUS NAME for complete healing. This is not about the length of time in prayer or the "best" prayer… it's simply praying for healing in Jesus' name. The power for healing is in the name of Jesus!

Share Your Story

April 14, 2024 • Mike Tatlock, Jen McCourt

Throughout our https://gracechapelonline.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2a0186ef6ab77fc759003efa2&id=2681269b19&e=63cc4e2770, we have discussed what it looks like to live surrendered, Jesus-following, holy, consecrated lives. We have practiced praying for healing, individual and community confession, and asked God to show us areas where we can live consecrated lives. We want to hear how the Holy Spirit is working in your life! In what area of your life are you walking in more freedom or have you experienced healing? If you would like to share your story with us, please answer the questions on the form linked below.

Anointing

April 7, 2024 • Mike Tatlock • Acts 2:17–18, Luke 4:18, Acts 10:38, Matthew 11:28–30, 1 John 2:20–27

To be anointed means to be chosen by God and filled with the Holy Spirit to carry out a divine purpose. The Spirit’s anointing makes the impossible possible. The Spirit's anointing guards you from being deceived and divided. The Spirit's anointing empowers you through the disappointing.

Even The Gentiles

March 24, 2024 • Josh Weaver • Acts 1:8, Acts 10, Jonah 1:3, Genesis 22:18

Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere, in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the universe." 1. Holy Spirit = God's Active Personal Presence 2. Witness = Telling people about Jesus 3. Ends of the Earth = Everywhere Discussion Questions: Read Acts 10 In verses 2-9, Cornelius and Peter both functioned in their everyday/average rhythms of talking with God when they each had a vision. Do you have a regular/average rhythm of prayer? If so, what does that look like? If not, what could a regular rhythm be for your life? In verse 20, God used that time to invite them into a mission with Him. How do you keep your ear/ life attuned to the invitation of God? Can you walk into your mission 'with no doubts'? Jesus had a high view of the Holy Spirit and the role of the Holy Spirit in his life. What does living entirely dependent on the Holy Spirit look like in your life? In verses 34-35, God called Peter into a time of repentance in disqualifying people to be a part of the Kingdom of God. We often disqualify ourselves and others, too. Which of these resonates with your heart? Even me, Lord? Do you disqualify yourself because of your story, sin, comparison with others, and perceived value? Even my prodigal Lord? Yes, our Father's heart is turned toward your prodigal. We live in hope because of the gospel laid out in this chapter! Believe, pray, keep inviting! Even that person, Lord? We live in this broken world and experience hurt, frustration, and righteous anger in our human relationships. We are called to love, forgive, bless, and pray for our enemies. Group Practice: With your group, identify the 'even' statement that you know God wants to address in your life. Pray for one another - Pray for value and identity over those feeling discouraged/disqualified. Pray hope with those whose hearts are breaking for their prodigal. Pray for Peter's repentance over those struggling with an 'other.' Use this prayer of forgiveness to release 'that person' and your heart!