Big Idea: The power of the Spirit demands our repentance and surrender.

            Acts 1:8

            Acts 8:4-11; 13; 17-18

The Holy Spirit’s power can’t be controlled or manipulated for our own gain.

            Acts 8:20-24

 The power of the Spirit demands our repentance and surrender.

 Surrendering to Jesus:

• Not what we’re lacking, but what we’ve been given.

• Not how we’ve been harmed, but how we’ve been forgiven.

• Not where we can be seen, but where we can serve.

Message Questions

We are continuing our study in the book of Acts, which is the story of the Holy Spirit igniting the Jesus movement through faithful obedience of a few humble people. We continue that same story today, and the Holy Spirit will use the teachings of Acts to inspire you to do the same thing the earliest followers of Jesus did when they first understood the magnitude of what God has done through Christ: to GO. This Sunday, the big idea is: The power of the Spirit demands our repentance and surrender. Our passage is Acts 8:4-25. 

Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do.

1. Read Acts 8:4-11. Where did Philip go and what was he doing there? How did the people respond to him? What did Simon do while he was in Samaria and how did the people respond?

2. Have someone read Acts 8:13-18. What is different about Simon’s baptism compared to current baptism practices? What was Simon’s response when he saw that the Spirit was given?

3. Have someone read Acts 8:20-25. What was Peter’s response to Simon in this passage? What action did Peter call Simon to?

4. Share a time when you were confronted like Peter confronted Simon. Did this experience push you to grow in your love of Jesus? Why or why not?

5. The power of the Spirit demands our repentance and surrender. What elements do you need to surrender today? Where is the Spirit calling you to go this new year?