StoneBridge Community Church
Associate Pastor Jonathan Lusche
Summer in the Cities
In this sermon series, StoneBridge will be journeying through the cities mentioned in the Book of Acts, looking at how the Holy Spirit works through the Apostle Paul in each city. By doing so, we will be able to more clearly see the Holy Spirit at work in our own city.
Topping aptitude and raw talent, studies have shown that there’s one quality that is essential for success. This weekend in worship, discover how Paul applies the quality of perseverance to further spread the hope of Jesus and the resurrection.
Acts 17:16-21 NRSV
1. Paul started with those he shared the most in common.
“… (Paul) reasoned in the synagogue…” v17
2. Paul risked going public in the marketplace.
“… in the marketplace, day by day…” v17
3. Paul influenced the influencers.
"Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus,…” v19
NEXT STEPS:
1) Consider those with whom you have a lot in common and pray how those commonalities could lead to pointing others towards Jesus.
2) Pray that God would elevate your everyday expressions of faith to those you spend everyday life with as an example to those without faith.
3) Contemplate your social circles, identify the influencers, and pray for them.
GROWTH GROUP / PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Read Acts 17:16. Paul’s spirit was provoked, distressed, and deeply troubled by what he saw in Athens. In relation to your Christian faith…
-When you look at American culture what troubles you?
-When you look at Simi Valley culture what troubles you?
-When you look at your family’s “culture” what troubles you?
Are you troubled enough to want to address these things? If so, how might you address them?
2. Consider those with whom you have a lot in common. What are some of the things you have in common? How can those commonalities be helpful in introducing the hope of Jesus?
3. Regarding Paul in the market place, read Titus 2:7-8. Being a faithful Christian in everyday life provides a wonderful example for others to experience positive life transformation through Jesus. Where and with whom do you spend the majority of your time? How would you rate your Christian example in those places with those people and why?
4. In your social circles, who are the influencers? How might you be a Christian influence on the influencers you’ve identified?
5. No one can doubt Paul's perseverance. How does Paul’s example of perseverance speak to the topics addressed in these discussion questions and your own faith?
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