I Could Stand in God’s Way?

By Caleb Crittendon

May 10, 2026

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

 

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

 

  1. Read Acts 11:1-18 and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. How does Peter’s response to criticism demonstrate the principle of entrusting ourselves to God as our just judge (1 Peter 2:21-23), and what would this look like in a specific conflict you are currently facing?

 

  1. In what ways might we be unconsciously standing in God’s way by holding onto traditions, preferences, or comfort zones that limit the reach of the gospel?

 

  1. What made Peter’s testimony (vv. 5-16) so compelling to the critics who changed their tune and glorified God after hearing his story?

 

  1. How does the image of Christ standing in the way of God’s wrath change your understanding of what happened on the cross and your response to His sacrifice?

 

  1. How does this passage strengthen your confidence that salvation is ultimately God’s work and not man’s achievement?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message to put in practice this week.

 

  1. Response Under Criticism: When criticism comes this week, pause before reacting and ask God to help you respond with humility, gentleness, and trust instead of defensiveness.
  2. Surrender Your Resistance: Identify one area where you have been resisting God’s leadership, and intentionally surrender it to Him each day through prayer and obedience.
  3. Gospel Prayer Partnership: Reach out to one or two believers and commit to regularly praying together about a ministry opportunity, gospel burden, or mission God has placed on your heart.
  4. Intentional Gospel Witness: Identify one person in your life who needs Christ, pray for them daily this week, and look for an opportunity to share the hope of the gospel with them.

The Power of God in the Believer

By Dr. Charles Kenya

May 3, 2026

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

 

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

 

  1. Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 and Romans 7:15-25 and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. The sermon uses the metaphor of a matchstick containing dynamite to illustrate the power within believers. How does understanding that you carry this kind of power change the way you approach daily challenges and relationships?

 

  1. Examine the believer’s struggle in Romans 7 of wanting to do good but doing evil instead. How do you relate to this internal conflict, and what does it reveal about our need for God’s power rather than self-effort?

 

  1. Why would God choose to place His power in fragile “jars of clay” and how does this understanding redefine what strength and success look like in ministry or the Christian life?

 

  1. What is the significance of Paul’s cry: “Who will deliver me from this body of death?”

 

  1. How do these two passages and Sunday’s sermon guard believers against both pride and despair?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message to put in practice this week.

 

  1. Morning Power Prayer: Begin each day by acknowledging your weakness and asking God to empower you to love, serve, and honor Him in everything.
  2. Identify Your “Romans 7” Struggle: Name one area of repeated failure, confess your inability to change it on your own, and depend daily on God’s power while tracking His work in you.
  3. Eliminate the Sacred/Secular Divide:
    Intentionally practice awareness of God’s presence during an ordinary daily activity, treating it as an opportunity to walk with Him.
  4. Power Inventory: Identify your key roles and consistently pray for God’s specific power to faithfully live them out each day.

Stages of God’s Sovereign Hand in Converting the Saint and Sinner

By Phud Chambers

April 26, 2026

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

Read and Reflect on Acts 10:1-8 in light of Sunday’s preached sermon, and then answer the following:

  1. Cornelius was devout, generous, prayerful, and well-respected, yet still needed to hear the gospel. Who in your life might fit this description, and how does this change your approach to evangelism?

 

Read and Reflect on Acts 10:9-33 in light of Sunday’s preached sermon, and then answer the following:

  1. How does the text point to a “conversion” taking place in the heart of the apostle Peter?

 

  1. How does the truth that reaching all ethnic groups with the gospel will usher in the end times and our eternal union with Christ motivate or challenge your current involvement in missions?

 

  1. Peter’s preparation involved both prayer and being in God’s word. How intentionally are you preparing your heart to be a messenger of the gospel to those God is placing in your path?

 

Read and Reflect on Acts 10:34-48 in light of Sunday’s preached sermon, and then answer the following:

  1. The sermon states that God chooses to use human instruments rather than angels to proclaim the gospel. How does understanding this divine design affect your sense of responsibility in evangelism?

 

  1. What does it mean practically to expect the Holy Spirit to fall every time we share the gospel, and how would this expectation change our evangelistic efforts?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message to put in practice this week.

  1. Prayer Walking: Schedule a time this week to prayer walk your neighborhood or a specific area of your city, asking God to prepare hearts and give you opportunities to share the gospel.
  2. Gospel Clarity: Practice sharing the gospel with each other using Peter’s outline (Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, call to believe). Time yourselves—can you share it clearly in 3-5 minutes?
  3. Identify Your “Gentiles”: Each person write down one person or people group you’ve been avoiding or never considered reaching. Commit to praying for them daily this week and ask God to prepare both their hearts and yours.
  4. Hospitality for Mission:  Plan a meal or gathering where you intentionally invite someone who doesn’t know Jesus. Pray for an opportunity to share the gospel.
  5. Holy Spirit Expectation: Before your next evangelistic conversation, pray specifically: “Holy Spirit, fall. Move in power. Open eyes and hearts.” Then share the gospel expecting God to work.

Resurrection’s Echo

By Caleb Crittendon

April 19, 2026

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Acts 9:32-43 as a group and discuss your initial observations about the chapter.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. How can we ensure, like Peter, that our ministry points clearly to Jesus rather than ourselves?

 

  1. What does Tabitha’s life teach us about the value of “good works and acts of charity” in the Christian life?

 

  1. The widows kept Dorcas’ body in the upper room with hope that something could still happen. What does this teach us about the universal human response to death and the notion of living with resurrection hope even in seemingly hopeless circumstances?

 

  1. Why do you think the author Luke went to such lengths to show similarities between Peter and Christ (Luke 8) in the work of healing?

 

  1. Verse 35 and verse 42 both describe people turning to the Lord—what role do these miracles play in evangelism?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message to put in practice this week.

  1. Identify and act on one opportunity this week to show Christlike compassion to someone who is hurting.
  2. Intentionally point at least one person to Jesus as the true source of hope and healing.
  3. Use one of your God-given gifts this week to meet a specific, tangible need in the church.
  4. Spend daily time reflecting on and worshiping Jesus for His resurrection and your future hope.
  5. Initiate a gospel conversation with one non-believer, sharing the hope of the risen Christ.

 

New Practices of a Converted Saul

By Dillon Medlin

April 12, 2026

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Acts 9:20-31 as a group and discuss your initial observations about the chapter.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. How does Saul’s radical transformation from persecutor to proclaimer challenge our assumptions about who God can save and use for His purposes?

 

  1. Why do you think Saul begins preaching so boldly so quickly after his conversion?

 

  1. How can we be a ‘Barnabas’ to new believers or those with difficult pasts, offering encouragement and affirmation rather than skepticism?

 

  1. What does it look like practically to walk in both ‘the fear of the Lord’ and ‘the comfort of the Holy Spirit’ simultaneously?

 

  1. Verse 31 describes a healthy church—what specific practices from this passage could help our church grow in similar ways?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message and commit to it/them this next week.

  1. Proclaim Boldly: Share your testimony or the gospel with at least one person who doesn’t know Jesus.
  2. Grow Deeper: Spend 15 minutes daily reading Scripture and asking God to deepen your understanding and conviction.
  3. Endure Faithfully: When you face opposition or difficulty this week, respond with prayer and dependence on God rather than retreat.
  4. Encourage Someone: Reach out to a newer believer or someone struggling in faith and speak encouragement into their life.
  5. Strengthen Your Church: Actively participate in a church ministry or reach out to someone who’s been absent from the church community.

 

The Resurrection and the Spirit of Life

By Dan Yacoviello

April 5, 2026

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Romans 8 as a group and discuss your initial observations about the chapter.

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. Using Romans 8, contrast the law of sin and death from the law of the spirit of life. How does this understanding change your perspective on your relationship with God?

  2. In verses 14–17, what does it mean to be adopted as a child of God, and how does that change your relationship with God as Father?

  3. How does Good Friday demonstrate both the cost of your adoption and the certainty of God’s generosity toward you as His child?

  4. The sermon emphasized that it’s Christ’s love for us—not our love for Him—that bonds us together. Why is this distinction so important?

  5. When Paul asks, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (v. 31), what fears or doubts in your life does this truth directly challenge?

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message and commit to it/them this next week.

Daily Reminder – Each morning this week, remind yourself: “I am a child of God. Nothing can separate me from His love.” Journal about how this truth impacts your day.

Prayer Practice – Practice calling God “Father” in your prayers this week. Bring Him specific struggles, fears, or needs, addressing Him as your loving Father rather than a distant judge.

Scripture Memory – Memorize Romans 8:1-2 or Romans 8:38-39. Recite it when you face doubt, fear, or condemnation.

Share Your Story – Share with someone this week (a friend, family member, or co-worker) about what it means to be “in Christ” and how they can experience this freedom.

Gratitude List – Make a list of the privileges you have as an adopted child of God. Thank Him specifically for each one.

Triumphal Entry of the King

By Phud Chambers

March 29, 2026

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read the passage from Matthew 21:1-18 as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. Jesus knew that entering Jerusalem meant certain death, yet He went willingly. How does understanding His volitional choice to suffer for our sins deepen your appreciation of His love?

 

  1. In what ways have you received Christ’s righteousness by faith, and how does understanding the great exchange—your sin for His righteousness—impact how you live daily?

 

  1. For those who do not yet know Christ, what does the vivid imagery of Revelation 14 and the winepress of God’s wrath reveal about the urgency of responding to the gospel?

 

  1. How does the contrast between Jesus’ first coming on a humble donkey and His second coming on a white horse leading armies shape your understanding of His character and mission?

 

  1. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus supplies the holiness He demands from us. How does this truth free you from both legalism and license in your Christian walk?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message and commit to it/them this next week.

  • Daily Meditation:Spend 10 minutes each day reflecting on one attribute of King Jesus and journaling how it applies to your life.
  • Worship Practice:Set aside daily time to worship Jesus for who He is—without asking for anything—by declaring His attributes.
  • Freedom from Shame:Confess one area of lingering shame over forgiven sin to a trusted believer and pray together in light of your freedom in Christ.
  • Evangelism with Urgency:Pray daily for one unsaved person and intentionally seek an opportunity this week to share the gospel or your testimony.
  • Holy Living:Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one area of sin, then pursue repentance and accountability as you seek His power to change.

The Sovereign Conversion of Saul

By Dillon Medlin

March 22, 2026

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read the passage from Acts 9:1-18 as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. What does it mean that to persecute the church is to persecute Christ himself, and how should this understanding shape how we treat fellow believers?

 

  1. Saul wasn’t searching for Jesus—he was persecuting Him. What does this teach us about who initiates salvation? How does this challenge common ideas about “finding God”?

 

  1. How does Ananias’s hesitation to minister to Saul reflect our own reluctance to reach out to difficult people, and what can we learn from his ultimate obedience?

 

  1. What does it reveal about God’s character that He chose Saul, the chief persecutor of Christians, to become Paul, one of the greatest missionaries?

 

  1. Ananias called Saul “Brother.” Why is this significant? How does the gospel change our identity and our relationships with other believers?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message and commit to it/them this next week.

  1. Pray daily for the person whose name you wrote down for the Who’s Your One campaign.
  2. Ask yourself: “Am I willing to be like Ananias and go to difficult or uncomfortable places to share the gospel?”
  3. Take one practical step this week to engage with your “one” (text, call, invite to coffee, etc.)
  4. Write out your conversion story, including details of your life before salvation, how God saved you, and how he is currently making you new.

The Sovereignty of God and the Obedience of Man

By Dan Yacoviello

March 15, 2026

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read the passage from Acts 8:26-40 as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. How does Philip’s willingness to leave a successful ministry in Samaria for a desert road challenge our modern understanding of what constitutes successful ministry?

 

  1. What does this story teach us about how God prepares people to hear the gospel?

 

  1. How does the contrast between the law excluding the eunuch and the gospel including him as a son illustrate the transformative power of the gospel message?

 

  1. Recap the “Blueprint for Personal Evangelism” that the text presented and discuss its usefulness in your own life.

 

  1. How does understanding that Jesus ‘opened not his mouth’ so that we could open ours about him motivate you to share the gospel more boldly?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message and commit to it/them this next week.

  1. Practice listening– This week, intentionally go near someone and truly listen to what they’re struggling with, looking for opportunities to point them to Jesus.
  2. Memorize the key verse– Commit Acts 8:35 to memory: “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture, he told him the good news about Jesus.”
  3. Study Isaiah 53– Read and meditate on Isaiah 53 this week. Journal about what it reveals about Jesus and His love for you.
  4. Pray togetherfor boldness to “open our mouths” about Jesus, just as He “opened not His mouth” for us.
  5. Engage your one – Be diligent this week to have a one-on-one conversation with your one and get to the Gospel message.

Scattered Seeds

By Caleb Crittendon

March 1, 2026

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read the passage from Acts 8:1-8 as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. How does the early church’s response to persecution challenge our modern tendency to retreat when facing opposition for our faith?

 

  1. In what ways might God be using difficult circumstances in your life right now to scatter you into new opportunities for gospel witness?

 

  1. The sermon emphasizes that everyday believers, not just church leaders, were the primary witnesses who spread the gospel. How does this shift your understanding of your personal responsibility in the Great Commission?

 

  1. Philip brought both gospel proclamation and compassionate action through healing to Samaria. How can you integrate word and deed in your witness to produce joy in your community?

 

  1. Who is the one person God is bringing to mind as you consider the Who’s Your One challenge, and what specific step of faith is required to be the answer to your own prayers for them (Hint: Look to the Respond section below for next steps)?

 

Respond: Take action in response to Sunday’s message and the recognition of your ONE this week.

  1. Pray Daily: Use the “Who’s Your One” card to pray specifically for one person for the next 30 days. Text “witness” to 864-762-4040 for daily reminders.
  2. Evaluate Your Witness: Honestly assess whether you’re being a faithful witness where God has currently placed you. Journal about one specific way you can be bolder this week.
  3. Take One Risk: Initiate one gospel conversation this week with someone in your sphere of influence. It doesn’t have to be a “full presentation”—just take one step toward sharing your story.
  4. Study Your Story: Write out your testimony in 2-3 minutes. Practice sharing it so you’re ready when opportunities arise.