We live in a world today where there are many start ups, like Uber and Airbnb, that have managed to succeed and go global. However, there was a start up thousands of years ago, that began with a handful of ordinary people and now spread throughout the world because it was a movement of God. It was the birth of the church. Come join this series, as we get challenged to put aside our traditions, comforts, preferences and programs in order to follow the example of a disciple-making movement that relied upon the Holy Spirit and proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

Read Acts 6-8

• What do these passages tell us about God?
• What do these passages tell us about you and your life?
• What do these passages tell us about persecution?
• What questions do you have around this passage?

Moses shared some insights in our response to persecution:

1. To not be surprised (1 Peter 4:12-13)
2. Use due process (Acts 22:27-29)
3. To endure (1 Peter 4:14-16, Romans 5:3-5)
4. To flee (Acts 8)

Discuss one or more of the following relevant questions.

• How does God use persecution to achieve His mission? Why is it important for you as a disciple that you have a biblical understanding of persecution?
• Describe a time when you’ve faced difficulty from people because of your faith. How did you respond? How would you respond differently next time?
• Moses quoted that “suffering brings the gospel to people and places that comfort does not”. Discuss. In what ways has comfort been a barrier to God’s mission through your life?

1. Is there a truth that God wants you to obey?
2. What will you do to obey this? I will…

Next Week

Read Acts 8-11.