SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE
April 27, 2025 | Joe Wittmer | Acts 2:36-47
Gathered Into A Family
We’re continuing the simplified discussion format we started with Reframing Lent for the new I Will Build My Church sermon series. The goal is not to “get through the questions” or to find the right answers.
The goal of group discussion is share what God is doing in you and what you’re coming to understand about God with one another. Sometimes your group will need a bit of quiet to process a question. Be okay with silence! Sometimes the Holy Spirit will nudge you to speak (or not speak!), and occasionally someone may need encouragement to contribute. Be open and honest as you share, and thoughtful and supportive as you listen to others.
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As you prepare for today’s conversation, pray for God’s Spirit to open your heart and mind to his presence. He is with you. Open your Bibles or devices to John 15:26-16:15. Ask a group member to read the passage aloud slowly.
Ask a group member to read Acts 2:36-47.
What is the fruit of a Spirit-filled church family?
Read Galatians 5:16-26. Do you find yourself walking by the Spirit? What does it look like to invite the Holy Spirit into your daily living?
In the sermon, Pastor Joe listed 5 things to consider about participating in the family of God, the church: 1) The church is not a place to go; it’s a people to belong to. 2) Baptism is your public declaration: “I’m in.” 3) Membership is how you live that out. 4) We need each other to be who God called us to be. 5) The Spirit is still gathering people today.
Use the next questions for further discussion and prayer time together:
Is there some way that God is inviting you to participate more deeply in the church family? Is something holding you back?
How can we pray for you?
