July 4, 2021

Ridgeline Study Prompts

 Acts 8:1-8

Prayer and Preparation

Spend a few minutes quiet before the Lord. Ask Him to meet you in this sacred space and speak to you intangible, applicable ways. Then read this passage carefully and prayerfully. While it is short, it is a significant shift in the life of the early church (descriptive) and has significant lessons for us (prescriptive).

Study

Imagine you are a part of the New Testament church in Jerusalem, and you just recently heard of the stoning of Stephen. How do you think you would be feeling at the moment? What would it be like to flee for your life? What would it be like to stay in Jerusalem with all the persecution happening around you?

We have seen time and again the Lord use things that feel “broken” for His glory and for good. We see it with the advancing of the kingdom while followers of Christ are forced to flee Jerusalem. Write of a time in your life where something felt like a bad thing, but was ultimately for good - for you, others, or for the kingdom of God.

What is the significance of Samaritans hearing and receiving the Gospel?

Application

In what areas of your life, or in the lives of those close to you, can you see glimpses of God doing something good? How can you find encouragement in these verses? How might the story of these 8 verses embolden you in your struggle? How can you lift your eyes to see the kingdom building opportunities in your struggle?