Discussion Guide
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, one of the final instructions He gave His disciples was to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). As followers of Christ, it can be easy to be consumed with our own schedules, struggles, and responsibilities and overlooking God’s heart for all nations. This week’s message challenged that the Gospel was never meant to stay in one place. As a church, we are not perfect, yet we desire to faithfully obey our Savior. We want to be a church that listens when God says “go.” This week as we study Scripture consider what it means to live on mission, listen to the Holy Spirit, and carry the hope of Jesus beyond our comfort zones.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. If our life group got stuck in an airport overnight together, who would: keep everyone laughing, organize a plan, panic first, or somehow make friends with strangers? If you had to go on a mission trip with any Bible character (besides Jesus) who would you pick and why?
2. Read Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 8:4-6. Jesus taught on many important things, yet His final command was to “go.” Why do you think this was the last thing He emphasized? What excuse could Philip have made? Why can obedience become difficult when God interrupts something comfortable, successful, or familiar?
3. Read Acts 8:26-40. How did Philip play a part in bringing Christianity into Africa? Why do you think God often calls us, as He did Philip, to move in faith before giving us the full picture? Is it sometimes difficult for you to obey when you don’t necessarily get to see the results?
4. Read Revelation 7:9-10. Based on this scripture, who will be in the center of this great multitude? Why do you think God emphasizes every nation, tribe, people, and language? What stands out most to you about this picture of heaven?
Action Step: This week ask God to help you become more aware of the people around you and more available to Him. You could invite someone to church, pray intentionally for our Cove South Africa Campus, or sponsor a child. Pray for the people of Uganda, Costa Rica, Egypt and our global initiatives there. Maybe all of this feels overwhelming, and you’re not sure how to begin participating? If that’s you, simply begin praying daily, “God, where might you want to send me or use me in some way to reach others globally?”
Optional - Deeper Dive: Read Jonah 1. Compare Jonah’s response to God’s call with Philip’s response in Acts 8.
What differences stand out?
What fears, frustrations, or prejudices may have influenced Jonah’s resistance to going to Nineveh?
What do Jonah and Philip both reveal about God’s heart for people and nations outside our comfort zone?