The Gospel Goes to Samaria

What is the danger of using Jesus or Christianity for your own ends? Join us this Sunday at CrossWinds Church in Spencer as we consider the answer from Acts 8.

Sermon Discussion

1. Our passage warns against the danger of “using Jesus for your own ends.” What are some ways that that can happen today?
2. What is one takeaway you have from this passage? What is a question you still have after studying this passage?
3. Read 2 Chronicles 10:16–19; John 4:9; Luke 9:51–56. Discuss the relationship between Judea and Samaria. What do these verses tell us about it? How does this help us understand the “new thing” that God is doing in this passage?
4. Read Acts 8:5, 9-12. How does the gospel change the focus of the crowds? How does the gospel transform society?
5. Read Acts 8:14–17; 2:38; 10:44–45; Ephesians 1:13–14. What is the “normal” way that God’s people “receive the Holy Spirit”? In light of this passage, Acts 10:44-45, and the hostility between Jews and Samaritans, why is God doing something different here? How would you talk about this with a Christian who believes that “Spirit baptism” is not tied to conversion but takes place at a later date?
6. Read Acts 1:8. How does this passage show us how Jesus’s is plan is being fulfilled?
7. This Time Tomorrow: How does this passage transform your thoughts, actions, or interactions at “this time tomorrow”?
8. Prayer Emphasis: In addition to praying for the prayer requests of your group, take some time to pray for the start of CW Kids, our Wednesday night kids ministry this week.