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April Bible Study Week #5

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A Safe, Welcoming Family

SCRIPTURE

ACTS 9:26–31

BACKGROUND & CONTEXT

Saul was a man on fire in his persecution of the Christian church. Not content to put an end to the Way in Jerusalem only, Saul sought special permission from the high priest to round up any men or women in Damascus who claimed to be Christ-followers (Acts 9:1–5). It was on this murderous mission, which he fully believed was done in the name of God, that Saul finally met Christ. While Christ immediately accepted Paul’s conversion, the rest of the church didn’t. It took Barnabas to open the door before the other believers welcomed Paul in.

Read Acts 9:26–27 and discuss 1–2 of these questions:

Why do we sometimes doubt that God will save and change some people?

In what ways are you different now from before God saved you?

Who are you currently praying for God to save?

Read Acts 9:28–29 and discuss 1–2 of these questions:

When have you been able to share Christ boldly with someone, and how did they respond?

What might it look like to be bold for Christ today?

What are some risks you take when you tell others about Christ?

Read Acts 9:30–31 and discuss 1–2 of these questions:

Why is welcoming, caring for, and providing safety to other believers so important?

How do you personally help make the group of believers a safe place?

CONNECTION:

God offers the free gift of salvation to every single person. He did this even in the Old Testament, as we see in the book of Jonah. Jonah’s job was to urge the city of Nineveh to repent of their sins and turn to God, which they did (Jonah 3). But in chapter 4, Jonah was upset with God for not destroying the large city! Jonah was not quick to welcome believers into the family of God, but instead, was extremely upset by the fact that God “is a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster” (Jonah 4:2).

Unfortunately, Jonah’s heart was not aligned with God’s heart. Pray that your heart would be aligned with God’s so that you can rejoice and welcome all who come to Jesus, just as he has welcomed you!

How would you feel if your worst enemy—or the person who has done you the most harm—repented and believed in God?

APPLY IT

There might be a new believer you feel hesitant to welcome to the group. Or maybe it’s a long-time believer who doesn’t seem to fit in well for whatever reason.

Take time to think through why you feel this way, pray about it, and then plan how you can be intentional about welcoming that person.

MARK OF A DISCIPLE

Disciples of Christ are quick to welcome others into the group

Be Specific:

What are you going to do?

When are you going to do it?

Is there someone who can keep you accountable?

PRAYER:

Take time to pray for each other’s applications in the upcoming weeks.

MEMORY VERSE:

Parent Disscussion Questions.:

*In what ways are you different now from before God saved you?

*What are some risks you take when you tell others about Christ?

*Why is welcoming, caring for, and providing safety to other believers so important?