Being and Bringing Good News

Being and Bringing Good News to Our Worlds

Read Acts 16:6-15

• What do you notice? What stands out to you?

In v.6-7, Paul’s missionary team experiences a series of “no” messages from God – don’t go this way, don’t go that way.

• What do you think helped them to keep going and trying new destinations?
• What is something for you that you will stick with even when things aren’t working out, and why?

Tim pointed out that Paul started off in an obvious place at an obvious time (v.13) since groups of Jews (and others) would often meet outside of towns that didn’t have a synagogue to pray by a river.

• What is the obvious place and time for you to connect with people who are not followers of Jesus?
• What might you need to change about your routines to ensure you have time to be there and able to engage with people?

In v.14, the passage says that the Lord opened Lydia’s heart to the message. Part of Tim’s message was his experience of identifying people who God might be working in to open their hearts by three indicators – they like us, they listen to us and they serve us. This warmth toward us might indicate an attraction to God’s Spirit and wisdom at work in us.

• What is your response to these indicators?
• Who might be these people in your life?

Make a list of a person or two each in your group and pray together for them and for opportunities to move conversations from casual to meaningful to spiritual (though often not all in one go!)