According to Dr. Luke, the first witnesses of Jesus’ birth were a group of shepherds and the first witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection were a group of women (Lk 24:10-11) and neither of one of these groups’ testimonies were considered valid in a court of law. What does this tell us about the historical reliability of […]

Zechariah was thrilled at the redemption and salvation that were going to result from the visitation of the Lord in the coming Messiah. Do you think people living in our culture feel the need of “salvation” or “redemption” from anything? How can we help people see the need for peace with God through the forgiveness […]

What can we learn from Mary’s response to Gabriel’s message and Elizabeth’s greeting? As you think about the events of the incarnation and of God’s gracious work in your life, what causes your soul to magnify the Lord and your spirit to rejoice in God your Savior? What were some of the challenges that Mary […]

How important do you think having an “attitude of gratitude” is for us in our earthly relationships and in our relationship with God? What happens to these relationships when gratitude slips away? Many social commentators note that we live in an “entitlement generation” where our default is to think that the world and God owes […]

The church can be involved in a multitude of activities, but what do you think is the primary mission of the body of Christ in the world? Do you see this reflected in the book of Acts? What is involved in “proclaiming the kingdom of God”? How is that related to proclaiming the message of […]

Where would you say you are on your journey with Christ – haven’t even started, near the beginning, somewhere in the middle, nearing the destination? If you are near the beginning (or can remember the beginning), what are (were) some of your expectations of the journey ahead? If you are further along, how has God […]

How has your life been impacted by the trials, temptations, difficulties and brokenness of our fallen world? How do you typically respond when your life does not go in an easy and comfortable direction? How do these challenges effect your relationship with Jesus – do they drive you to him or from him? Though Jesus […]

If you were given an opportunity to speak before the most powerful political and business leaders of our day about Christianity, what would you include in your speech? As you look at Paul’s speeches in Acts, what did he tend to emphasize? Paul’s personal conversion story and the resurrection of Jesus seem to be two […]