Sermon Notes:
How did the early church address conflict?
1. They shared the Problem
2. They immediately shared Power and Authority
3. They earned one another’s Trust
What do you do when you really cannot agree?
1. In essentials, Unity
2. In non-essentials, Liberty
3. In all things, Charity
4. Agree to disagree with Respect
God does not expect us to think alike, but he does expect us to think together. We are better together.
Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:
Icebreaker Question:
Have you ever experienced discrimination in one form or another? Please share.
Digging Deeper:
1. As a group, read Acts 6:1-7. What do you think was the root cause of the conflict between the Hebrew speaking Jews and the Greek speaking Jews? v.1
2. When there are different people groups in a community, what are the common reasons why they could not get along? Make a list.
3. The distinction between the 2 people groups in v.1 was one of language (Greek vs. Hebrew). Why is language such a natural barrier between people groups?
4. How would you feel if you joined a people group whose language you do not understand and they kept on speaking it knowing you don’t understand it?
5. Why do you think people keep speaking their language even if there’s someone in the group that does not understand their language?
6. As a demonstration of love, what do you think is the right course of action when someone joins your group and doesn’t understand your language? Why is this the right thing to do?
7. How did the Apostles resolve the conflict that arose from feelings of discrimination within the church? vs. 2-6 Why is equality and mutual respect so essential in maintaining harmony within a community?
8. Leaders are those given the authority to rule. What are the prime qualifications for leadership in the church? v.3 Why are these qualities important? How are these qualities determined in a person’s life? How is this different from a popularity contest?
Taking it Home:
Pray for the leaders in the church, that God will give them courage, strength and wisdom to lead in these turbulent times.