March 12, 2023 - Questions
When Chains Fall Off
Ross Frisbie
Part of Acts of Peter
March 9, 2023

Use the following questions based on today’s sermon as a starting point for spiritual discussions with your family or a small group of Christian friends this week.

Acts 12

Fellowship—Relationship with a Purpose
· What is the most unexpected answer to prayer you’ve ever experienced?
· Why was it unexpected if you were praying for it?

Growth—Thinking About Spiritual Matters
· As their leadership undergoes persecution, the rest of the early church takes action. What is their response?
· What adjective describes the church’s prayers (12:5)?
In practical terms, what does that kind of prayer look like (e.g. length, format, posture, frequency, passion)?
What are you “earnestly” praying for right now?
· List the miraculous events that the angel facilitated as Peter walked out of prison (Acts 12:6-10).
· In Acts 5:17-42, there is a similar account of arrest and miraculous release. Why, then, do you think the church seems so surprised that God did it again?
(Perhaps Acts 12:1-2 is a hint…)
· How do you balance the tension between trust (i.e. God will answer our prayers) and disappointment (i.e. God might not provide the answer I want) when we pray?
· What are some of the reasons God might say “no” to your prayers? Does the possibility of a “no” prevent you from asking? Explain your answer.
· How do you think Herod’s death impacted the church? In what ways would it give them confidence…especially when his death is attributed to divine action?
(Hint: look at the beginning of chapter 12 and contrast it with the end. Notice the reversal in situations)

Prayer – Taking Your Thoughts to God
· What big prayers can you pray for the church right now? Approach the throne of grace with confidence and ask for God to take action!