StoneBridge Community Church
Summer in the Cities: "Meanwhile, In Athens" Part 1
Associate Pastor Jonathan Lusche
Locations & Times
StoneBridge Community Church
4832 Cochran St, Simi Valley, CA 93063, USA
Saturday 5:15 PM
Sunday 5:20 PM
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http://bit.ly/2glYW8ESummer 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.
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.
Introduction to the Book of Acts
Here is a brief introduction to the Book of Acts.
https://stonebridgesimi.com/resources/acts-introMore About the Opening Illustration
In a world seemingly full of bad news, learn more about how the small town of Gander, Newfoundland responded to the 9/11 attacks against the United States of America.
https://bit.ly/3oxjCNK
A History of Athens
"(Paul) came up from the sea by the new road (North of the ancient) along which were altars of unknown gods, entered the city from the West, and passed by the Ceramicus (burial-ground), which can be seen to this day, the 'Theseum', the best preserved of all Greek temples, and on to the Agora (Market-Place), just North of the Acropolis, a steep hill, 200 ft. high, in the center of the city..." To read more, click link.
https://bit.ly/3PquadpThe Text in Context
"Epicurus (342-270 B.C.) taught that pleasure is the chief goal in life, especially the intellectual serenity that is achieved by overcoming disturbing..." To read more, click link. NOTE TO GROWTH GROUPS -Additional discussion questions are available at the end of this commentary.
https://bit.ly/3IWSNMb1. Paul started with those he shared the most in common.
“… (Paul) reasoned in the synagogue…” v17
“… (Paul) reasoned in the synagogue…” v17
2. Paul risked going public in the marketplace.
“… in the marketplace, day by day…” v17
“… 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
"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.
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?
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?
In partnership with James Storehouse, we are collecting back-to-school items for students in kindergarten through college. Click the link below to grab the list from our website. Please return donations to the church office by Monday, August 8th.
School Supply list
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Join us for an outdoor movie experience! We'll enjoy Luca on the big screen, refreshments and movie concessions (candy and popcorn) will be provided. Grab your family and friends along with your lawn chairs or blankets to spend a summer night together as a community.
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