THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS
Discover the thrill of hope with us for CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES on December 23 & 24. All services are kid-friendly and identical at all locations. Children’s Ministry for ages 0–5 only. This is a great time for family and friends to join you at church. Find times and locations at adabible.org/christmas.
GROUP VALUES
This December, we focus on the value of providing a SAFE ENVIRONMENT. Creating a safe environment involves everyone in the group, particularly when there are differing opinions or views. Take a few minutes to assess as a group how you are doing in this area. Pray together that God will help your group grow or continue to be a safe environment in the coming year.
GROW AS A LEADER
Do you have access to RIGHT NOW MEDIA? Ada Bible Church provides leaders access to this library of 25,000+ videos. Find Bible studies, kids programming, custom content from Ada Bible and more. Sign up at app.rightnowmedia.org/join/adabiblechurch.
PLEASE NOTE There will be no Sermon Discussion Guide December 16/17 and 23/24. It will resume for our new 2-week series starting Dec 30/31. We hope you find creative ways to celebrate with, encourage and pray for each other.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the fourth week of our series, Tandem. This week, we consider three choices the early church made when facing conflict and how these choices unleashed the power of the Gospel.
What is your favorite Christmas food, and why?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read Acts 6:1-7 aloud.
Who are the two groups mentioned in this story, and what is the conflict?
What emotions do you think the two groups experienced in this situation?
What positive outcomes unfold in verses 5-7 after appointing the servants?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Aaron Buer talked about three choices of the early church during conflict. As a group, name his main points.
Which part of the sermon encouraged or challenged you the most, and why?
Jesus prayed for unity among believers in his prayer in John 17. Why do you think unity among believers from diverse backgrounds is important to Jesus?
What would it look like in practical terms for our church to pursue greater unity amidst our diversity?
Do you gravitate more toward emphasizing the “Word” or “Deed” aspects of faith, and why?
How can you grow in embracing both word and deed fully?
Share about a time when you’ve seen powerful tandem ministry—Word and Deed together. What made it impactful?
In what areas of your life do you struggle to obey Jesus’s leadership fully? What holds you back?
The priests had to leave their old livelihoods and identities behind to follow Jesus. Is there anything Jesus asks you to lay down or let go of to follow him more fully?
How can we encourage each other this week to keep pursuing unity, Word and Deed, and obedience even when it’s costly or difficult?
Is there anything else about the sermon you wanted to talk about?
WRAP UP
Today, we discussed the early church’s choices during conflict that unleashed the Gospel. What changes do you need to make in your life based on our discussion today?