Rongopai: Truth Translated. Pt 1. Cut to the Heart

Rongopai: Truth Translated – Speeches from the Book of Acts. Part 1.

Read: Acts 2:22-41

• What do you notice?
• What stands out to you?
• What observations or questions does this passage raise?

Discuss:

• What does Peter assume that their hearers know?
• What does he decide he need to explain or re-frame for them?

Paul approaches his main argument very cleverly. He makes a series of claims about “this man, Jesus” and states that God has raised him from the dead. Then he applies a psalm of David which points to a messiah that does not see decay, and connects the two to prove that Jesus is that Messiah.

• What are some of the logical approaches that we can use to argue for the truth of the Gospel?
• When might logical approaches be helpful?
• What are other ways to approach the Gospel with people who aren’t looking for a logical approach?
• What can you do when these different approaches are working, but you have run out of ideas, or if someone is asking questions that your knowledge, style or experience doesn’t equip you to answer?
• What might you do, or try not to do, if someone is “cut to the heart” [v.37] as the truth about their sin and need for Jesus is exposed?
• How might our instincts or social norms be challenged?

Pray: that we might be able to connect with people in ways that are helpful for them to engage with the truth about Jesus where they are at, but that we might be able to help them take the next step. Also pray that we would grow in confidence in our ability to share Jesus in ways that are both authentic and obedient. Pray for Street Party as on opportunity to work these things out.