EASTER + ALPHA
READ ACTS 2:
22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him:
“‘I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest in hope,
27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
you will not let your holy one see decay.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.’
29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,
“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
35 until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.”’
36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
DISCUSS
1. What stands out to you from this passage?
2. In the various old testament passages quoted in Peter’s Sermon, what truths about Jesus is Peter highlighting?
3. At what points in the passage is it clear that Peter views Jesus’ death and resurrection as a historical event rather than some kind of symbollic idea?
4. In verse 23, seemingly paradoxically, Peter claims that that Jesus death was according to God’s plan AND through human wickedness. What would be lost if either of these elements were missing?
5. Twice (verse 23 & 26) Peter points to his hearers as those who are guilty of killing Jesus. Why is an understanding of Guilt needed before the Gospel can be understood?
6. Have you had an experience of being ‘Cut to the heart’ upon realising the seriousness of your own sin?
7. In verse 38 Peter lays out the appropriate response to the Gospel. (Read verse 38) Are there any elements of this response that we tend to downplay in our own response or as we explain the gospel to others?
APPLY AND ALPHA
Alpha is coming up - starting May 6th. Now would be a great time to start thinking and praying about who to invite?
1. In light of the seriousness of sin, and the availability of forgiveness, how intentional are you currently being with looking for oppurtunities to share this message of forgiveness?
2. Is there anyone in your life who you would consider coming to Alpha if they were invited?
3. What steps do you need to take with these people to be ready to invite them along in a months time? Ie. Scheduling a catch up, asking them questions about their thoughts/ views on spiritual things, introducing them to some other christian friends..
PRAY for those you have mentioned, and for the upcoming alpha.