Acts 21:1-36

We continued our walk through the book of Acts with "most of" the 21st chapter. We talked about how we often misinterpret God's message when we filter it thorough our own lenses. We talked about how we hope that God's will is comfortable for us to swallow. Etc. Here are the talk points that we began with. Please chime in...

Many of us are not able to discern God’s will to the extent that Paul was able. What would it take to move closer to that?

Do we usually equate being in God’s will with everything working out happily?

Have we ever been dissuaded from doing God’s will by someone else? Have we dissuaded others?

The misunderstanding and ensuing riot was the result of gossip and misinformation about Paul on the part of “church folks.” What do we learn from this?

What other questions does this raise?

Great discussion last night. Let's continue that discussion here. Have a great week!!

online discussion

Okay, due to the parade and trick or treating and whatnot, our weekly Bible discussion had to be cancelled. So, let's share thoughts online in preparation for this coming Sunday. The text is Acts 21:1-36...ready, set, comment!

Acts 20

There are a few miscellaneous portions to this chapter...a little "mapquest" action with point by point detail on their travels. ..an account of "Lucky" falling out a window...and then Paul's farewell message to his dear friends. Give the podcast a listen if you'd like. Here are the starting points from our discussion on Sunday night. Please share your insights and thoughts...

What would you share with others if you knew it were the last time you would see them?

Paul’s task and instruction is as true today as it was at the time he gave them. How do we live that out in our time and place? (vs. 24, 27, 28...)

What other questions or topics does this passage raise?

new favorite!!!

Okay, so this isn't a post about Journey in any way, but I have got to share a new favorite. Tonight we had some ice cream that Lori picked up at the store. Toft's brand. Graham Junction Station. It's graham flavored ice cream with chocolate pieces that have crunchy graham cracker inside. Whoa! Incredible! It's like a smore in a bowl.

Acts 19:21-41

We closed out the second half of chapter 19 on Sunday night. Great discussion again. Here are the questions and topics of discussion that we started with...

A major theme in this chapter is “reaction.” In the first half we saw a positive reaction to the message of Jesus. In the second half we see a negative reaction to the same message. What does that teach us? How have we reacted to this message of Jesus?

We saw people burn their valuable possessions and give up their livelihood. We saw people fight to defend their livelihood. Do we see ourselves in this story? Do we see this in our world? What is our “Artemis”?

What is our role in all of this?

What other questions does this raise in your mind?

Please add to the mix of thoughts, questions, and comments.

Acts 19:1-20

Tonight we talked about the first half of Acts 19. What a great portion of text that challenges us and whether we know the true Jesus and the Spirit at work in our lives. Here are the thoughts that we used as a starting point:

Do we know Jesus as Messiah and Savior, or are we living instead in John’s baptism?

Do we know Jesus and the presence of His Spirit, or are we invoking the power of someone we don’t truly know?

The believers in Ephesus came forward and burned the prized possessions of their former life. Are there things in our lives that we need to get rid of in order to follow Jesus more faithfully?

What other questions does this passage raise?

During our discussion time we spent a lot of time on the third question and the stuff in oiur live. Kristy had a great thought afterward which I hope she'll share here. Other thoughts that anyone would like to add?