
Small Group Guide: Champions Reach Families
Key Takeaways:
1. God desires whole family salvation, not just individual salvation.
2. Champions expect and work towards seeing their families saved.
3. The gift of salvation is for everyone, everywhere, and is good news.
4. God can turn our current situations into new spheres of influence.
Discussion Questions:
Scripture:
- Acts 10 (The story of Cornelius)
- Acts 16:25-34 (Paul and Silas in prison)
Joshua 24:15 (Choose this day whom you will serve)
The sermon emphasizes the importance of family salvation. How does this concept challenge or affirm your current approach to evangelism within your family?
Pastor Brandon shared about his father’s journey to faith. How does this story encourage you in praying for unsaved family members?
The sermon mentions moving from being a consumer to a contributor to a champion in the church. Where do you see yourself in this progression, and what steps can you take to move forward? Has this Champion series changed your mindset and actions?
How does the story of Cornelius inviting his family and friends to hear Peter’s message inspire you to share your faith with others?
The sermon highlights the importance of fathers leading spiritually. How can we encourage and support spiritual leadership within families, regardless of family structure?
Pastor Lindsay loved that the singing in prison didn’t save the Jailer’s family. Staying in prison did. In what ways can we turn our current situations, even difficult ones, into new spheres of influence for sharing the gospel? Does this resonate with you: that our godliness in difficult times is often more powerful to the world than our blessings in good times.
The sermon touches on the topic of racism and Peter’s realization. How can we be more inclusive in our approach to sharing the gospel?In what ways can we turn our current situations, even difficult ones, into new spheres of influence for sharing the gospel?
Practical Applications:
Commit to praying daily for the salvation of specific family members for the next month.
Identify one way you can contribute to or support children’s or youth ministry in your church.
Share a personal testimony of how your faith has positively impacted an area of your life (e.g., parenting, work, relationships) with a non-believing friend or family member this week.
Reflect on a challenging situation in your life. Brainstorm ways God might use this as a “new sphere of influence” for His kingdom.
If you haven’t been baptized, consider taking this step of faith. If you have, encourage and support someone else who is considering baptism.
Closing Prayer
Here’s a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide.
Day 1: God’s Love for All People
Reading: Acts 10:1-23
Devotional: God’s love knows no boundaries. In this passage, we see how God orchestrated a meeting between Peter, a Jewish apostle, and Cornelius, a Gentile centurion. This encounter challenged Peter’s preconceptions and opened the door for the gospel to spread beyond cultural barriers.
Reflect on how God’s love has transcended boundaries in your own life. Are there people or groups you’ve considered “unclean” or unworthy of God’s love? Ask God to open your heart and eyes to see all people as He sees them - worthy of love and salvation.
Day 2: Responding to God’s Call
Reading: Acts 10:24-48
Devotional: Cornelius gathered his family and close friends to hear Peter’s message, demonstrating his eagerness to respond to God’s call. When Peter arrived, he shared the good news of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the message.
Consider how quickly you respond when God prompts you to action. Are you willing to gather others to hear about Jesus? Pray for the courage to be obedient and the wisdom to recognize God’s voice in your life.
Day 3: Faith in the Midst of Trials
Reading: Acts 16:16-34
Devotional: Paul and Silas, imprisoned for their faith, chose to sing praises to God in their darkest hour. Their unwavering faith not only led to their miraculous release but also to the salvation of the jailer and his entire household.
Reflect on times when you’ve faced trials. How did you respond? Ask God for the strength to praise Him even in difficult circumstances, trusting that He can use any situation for His glory and the salvation of others.
Day 4: The Power of Personal Testimony
Reading: Acts 26:1-23
Devotional: In this passage, Paul shares his powerful testimony before King Agrippa, recounting his dramatic conversion and call to ministry. Paul’s personal story became a tool for sharing the gospel with others.
Consider your own testimony. How has God worked in your life? Take time to write down your story of faith, focusing on how you came to know Jesus and the difference He has made in your life. Pray for opportunities to share your testimony with others.
Day 5: Hope in God’s Promises
Reading: Romans 8:18-39
Devotional: Paul reminds us that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. He assures us that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus.
Reflect on the hope we have in Christ. How does this hope sustain you in difficult times? Meditate on God’s promises and ask Him to strengthen your faith in His unfailing love and ultimate victory.