Before the Session
Facilitator: In advance of the session
- Review today’s scripture text and the session activities to help better facilitate the discussion.
- Have the Bible Background Video ready to view.
- Encourage your group to listen to the Faithelement podcast ahead of the next session (Share the link via email or social media).
Context
Share this scene from “New Girl” and ask:
- How would you describe Prince’s tone in this scene?
- Why do you think Jess listens to Prince, even though they just met?
- In what ways might someone’s “outsider” status provide credibility to their advice?
- How can nudging someone to do the right thing more powerful than giving instructions?
- Who tends to “nudge” you, and how does it help?
- In what ways does your faith nudge you to do the right things?
Content
Read Acts 16:9-15, then watch the Bible Background Video and ask:
- Why might the writer include the story about the journey to Macedonia?
- Given the difficulties he was experiencing how would it have felt to Paul to have this vision?
- How easy would you be convinced by such a dream?
- What does Paul’s Sabath journey indicate about the religious practice of people in the city?
- Why is it significant that Paul was speaking with women?
- How significant is the fact that Lydia invited Paul (and company) to stay at her house?
Closure
Share the “Get Up” movie clip (Note that this is a somewhat violent scene) and ask:
- What is changed by the fact that Trinity does not give up on Neo?
- In what ways does Trinity’s support encourage Neo to follow his purpose as the one?
- How important in terms of faith and God’s will do you think Lydia and Paul are to each other?
- What are some things you need to keep doing (or start doing) as you continue to be faithful like Lydia?
- How can you encourage someone of their place in God’s will this week?
Close with a prayer.
Writer: Devin Harris-Davis