Study Questions for September 26, 2004

Acts 11:1-29 - The Church Responds to God's Initiative

1. For every positive Spirit-led action there seems to be a negative religious reaction. Put yourself in the place of the “circumcised believers.” Why did they respond the way they did?
 
2. How does Peter illustrate a constructive response to criticism?
 
3. How did Peter know that the Holy Spirit was telling him to have “no hesitation” about going with the men from Caesarea? How do you know when the Holy Spirit is directing you?
 
4. How did Peter know that God was really involved in this outreach to Gentiles?
 
5. Have you ever been in a situation where you said to yourself, “Who am I to think that I can stand in God’s way?”
 
6. Before Barnabas became a “missionary” he took a “mission trip.” Why did the church in Jerusalem send Barnabas to Antioch? How do mission trips help the body of Christ?
 
7.  How would you characterize the relationship between the Christians at Antioch and the church in Jerusalem?  What strengthened the bond between them? What can we learn from their example today?

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