Sermon Notes
1. Every culture has its own broken bias and prejudice. (verse1)
2. The church leaders addressed social justice issues, but it did not change their main focus – prayer and the preaching of the Word of God. (verses 2-4)
3. The life blood of social reform is the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life.
4. The Church dealt with bias and prejudice through the power of the Holy Spirit
5. Cultural battles are won or lost in the battle for the human heart.
Follow-up Questions from Sunday:
Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Introduction question for groups:
In your opinion, how has American culture changed through the years?
Digging Deeper:
1. People from different cultures have different values, and this difference can be polarizing. Because America is a melting pot of cultures, how has this difference manifested itself in the social and political life of Americans? In what ways can the Church help heal this divide? In what ways is the Church promoting this divide?
2. Pastor Vince made a statement: “The only way for the church to survive is when that which unites us is greater than the forces of culture that divide us.” Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? How can this principle help us minister cross-culturally to people who are different from us?
3. The book of Acts records the history of how the Apostles took the message of Jesus to their world. Chapter 6:1-7 records their first challenge in bringing Jesus across cross-cultural differences and prejudices. What do you think was at stake if they didn’t address this? What did the Apostles do to address this challenge and how can we learn from it today in our world?
4. The Christian Worldview believes that mankind is sinful and broken, and the only way to healing and moral transformation is by surrendering one’s life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ by following Him. This used to be the predominant worldview in America. Not anymore. What do you think led to the cultural shift away from this worldview? What is the result of this shift?
5. Throughout history, love was the brand that Christians had that won the hearts of societies and cultures throughout the world. In what ways has that brand changed? In what ways has this turned the hearts of people away from Christianity?
6. If a searching non-Christian were to honestly ask you why you believe in Jesus, how would you persuade that person to believe in Jesus?
7. In what ways can Christians make a difference in the world today? In what ways can WCC make a difference in the community?
8. When you read the song that the angels sang in Revelation 5:9-14, what does it say about Jesus and his impact on all humanity. How do you think this should affect how we see and treat all people in the body of Christ and in the world today?
Prayer:
Pray for each other in your group that God would give all of you opportunities to encourage God’s people this week.