Sept 7/8 The Journey Begins

Sept 7/8 The Journey Begins

Sept 7/8 The Journey Begins


THREE THINGS TO KNOW

DON’T MISS THIS

Our new series, Strength for the Journey, kicked off this week. Encourage your group to lean into the series by listening, journaling and discussing.

GROUP VALUES

A safe environment is an important element of every small group. What will make your group a safe place? Consider taking a few minutes to discuss the small group covenant at adabible.org/sgcovenant.

GROW AS A LEADER

Have you checked out our online leader training? Modules like Leading a Group 101 and Reading and Understanding the Bible are designed specifically to help you as you lead your group. Join at learning.adabible.org/small-groups.


DISCUSSION GUIDE

Welcome to the first week of our fall series, Strength for the Journey. This week, Jeff Manion’s conversation centers around three common challenges we encounter as we journey through life.

What’s a fun or epic journey you took? Is there one you are looking forward to?

Have someone read Acts 15:36-16:11 aloud. Who are the main characters? What’s going on?

THE CHALLENGE OF CONFLICT

What is happening between Paul and Barnabas? What did John Mark do?

We have no record of Paul and Barnabas ever reconciling. They weren’t spiritual lightweights. How does that make you feel? Why do you think it is included in the Bible?

Paul and Barnabas seem to be arguing over a gray area that fractures their relationship. Where have you seen this happen? How is it encouraging to know this happened to Paul and Barnabas?

THE CHALLENGE OF REPETITION

What simple phrase kicks the journey off?  How does Paul’s desire to go back and encourage the believers help us see the power of repetition?

Why do you think our culture has such a fascination with new things, new experiences and new places? Where do you feel like you are this way?

What’s the value of entering into long-term commitments or relationships? When have you seen a commitment to repetition pay off?

THE CHALLENGE OF UNCERTAINTY

What happens to Paul and his team as they start to travel? How do you think the two instances of negative guidance would’ve made them feel?

What are some common instances of negative guidance people experience today? How do you think they interact with God in those times?

How have you experienced negative guidance? When has hindsight revealed negative guidance to be a blessing in your life?

How does it help us trust God through our own seasons of negative guidance, knowing Paul experienced times of negative guidance too? 

WRAP UP

We discussed three challenges common to our life-journeys. Which resonated with you the most? What one change can you make this week to grow in that area?


Download a printable PDF.