There is no doubt that the landscape of Christianity is changing. For many, it seems that the church has gotten lost in the culture. But as the gap between Christianity and the culture is widening, so also are enormous opportunities for the church. Opportunities to shine as a “city on a hill that cannot be hidden.” Only when the church is filled with people who are being so shaped by the gospel that they outlive the culture can we become the force that Christ intended. ~ Pastor Dave
Open: Have you ever been a part of a team that experienced a losing streak? Or have you ever lost a family game over and over again? Share your story.
Read: Matthew 5:14-16; 16:15-18; Acts 2:42-47; Acts 10-11
Discuss:
1. In what ways have you observed the changing landscape of Christianity in America? Why do you think it has changed? What role have Christians and the church played in this perspective? In what ways does our current situation present us with enormous opportunities for gospel impact?
2. Jesus called us to be a “city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.” Describe what a city on a hill looks like? How should the church personify this picture? As you read Acts 2:42-47, how did the early church reflect Christ’s desire for His church to be the “city on a hill”? How should the church be different than the culture? In what ways does the church today reflect a new way of living to a world that is radically different than them?
3. Describe the context of Acts 11. What shift was happening in Christianity at that time? How did this fulfill Christ’s commission to “go into the world”? How did God use unexpected opportunities to expand the gospel (suffering and persecution)? What are some unexpected opportunities you have experienced in your Christian journey?
4. What does Barnabas teach these new believers in Antioch (Acts 11:22-23)? Would you say we still need these two truths today? Share your observations.
5. Unbelievers renamed the disciples “Christians.” Was this a compliment or insult? How do you see Christians described in our day?
6. Multiple times in Acts 11, we are told that the church was growing (Acts 11:21,24,26). Should the church be constantly growing? Why or why not? How is growth deeper than mere numbers? In what ways did Antioch become a sending church for the Apostle Paul (Acts 13)? How do you feel about the growth at Crossroads? What is your hope for future growth?
Pray: Pray that God would use us in a season of unexpected opportunities to make profound gospel impact. Pray that our testimony (Christians and the church) would be so profound throughout our region that God would be glorified through us.
Memorize/Meditate: You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Matthew 5:14-15
