POWER OF THE GOSPEL

Acts 8:4-25

The power of the gospel works in every place.

The power of the gospel through persecution. (8:4-8)

The power of the gospel for transformation. (8:9-13)

The power of the gospel in confirmation. (8:14-17)

The danger of gospel misinformation. (8:18-24)

Lessons to learn:

The gospel is for everyone everywhere.
Preach the gospel in every place and every pain.

Questions to ask:

Was Simon a Christian?
What does it mean to be a Christian?
Am I a Christian?

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Discussion Guide

Open Up
How would your coworkers or friends define what it means to be a Christian?

How do you think our neighbors may define being a Christian?

Does everyone have generally the same definition of what it means to be a Christian? Why do you think this is so?

Dig In
Looking at Acts 8:1-4, describe what this level of persecution might look like if it happened today?

How does having a “gospel perspective” change the way we view the unexpected places we find ourselves?

Can you think of people today who claim to have the power of God (as Simon claimed) but who do not know God?

Skim John 4:1-45. Based on what you read in the passage, what ways were the people of Samaria prepared to receive the message of Jesus as the Messiah years later by Philip?

How can we ensure that our hearts are right before God, as Peter admonished Simon to do in Acts 8:21-22?

Live Out
Do you consider yourself a Christian? Why or why not?

In what areas of your life do you need to repent and realign your intentions and desires with God’s purposes, as Simon was encouraged to do by Peter?

What will you do to ensure you have a “gospel perspective” on your situations this week?

PRAY that you will experience the power of the gospel in every situation this week.