SUMMARY |Return to Unity Part 1 - Christ Has Broken Down the Dividing Wall (Eph. 2:13 -18)
INTRO | The concept of "us versus them" doesn't seem that prevalent in society among the protestant groups. The preaching about the "correct church" seems to be riveting among older generations and less among the younger. This conversation is difficult to have because it might not resonate with the average bible reader.  Not to say that this thinking does not exist with the current generations; it just doesn't seem to be the main point of their Christian identity.  In Chapter 2 of Ephesians, Paul addresses this categorization among the Jewish and Gentile Christians. Ultimately, the blood sacrifice of Christ Jesus broke down the barrier that separated the two groups.  In vs. 14, For Jesus is our peace, who has made the two groups ONE.  Because of Jesus, there is a new humanity and one body.
Take the next few moments to ready Ephesians Chapter 1 & 2 and discover how Jesus came to unify not categorize groups of believers.
*Don't forget; there is a purpose to UNITY here on earth.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS |

1. Is the above statement about the relevancy of “the correct church” true or false in your household?  Discuss this thinking in connection to Paul’s writing in Ephesians 1&2.
2. The Jewish ritual for males is commanded by God in the Old Testament, what reasons did Paul give that would negate this practice as an identifier of a Christian?
3. What barriers are we facing today that divide us? Are they legitimate reasons to divide or are they preference?  Take the next few moments to discuss preference vs biblical direction.
4. Keep in mind the cause and effect of Eph 2:11-18.  These divisions of the groups are reconciled to one body because of Jesus. Paul stresses ‘peace’.   Do you feel peace? If not, In what areas and why might our hearts be divided?
5. How about some action: What can we do today that will show we understand the ‘oneness’ Christ came to bring?
6. During the sermon today, Tim will talk about how Christ has broken down the dividing wall. Be encouraged to take note of things that stand out from today’s message.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS | Family Activity
[Children - Adults] For several weeks now we have encouraged a family prayer board. How is that going?   Here is what that looks like: Find a blank piece of paper or a whiteboard, go around the room asking about any concerns or thanksgivings before a time of Prayer.   Leave this paper where you can see it all week, discuss them everyday and see where God might be working in them. [Deu 6]
Additional Resource | Mission and Vision of the West Side Church of Christ: https://www.westsidear.org/mission-and-vision.html

SUMMARY |The Impact of Individualism on Unity - Consumerism (Acts 8:9-24)
INTRO | The term 'Consumerism" is often in use in church circles with negative tones. Many church organizations focus on what the congregation members desire to experience during the various parts of a church gathering.   Simply put,  the consumerism model of church is a choice type of church. People choose these types of churches with different criteria in mind, things like music and preaching styles, quality of children's programming, etc.    The theological minded have a love-hate relationship with this mindset because the purpose that surrounds these programs can overtake the original mission.   In Acts 8, we see Simon the Sorcerer focus more on the needs of himself than the Holy Spirit's missional task.
Take the next few moments to read through Act 8:9-24, see if you can find Simon's Individualism's and how it could have hurt the church's unity.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS |

1. When you think about West Side, what are some of the things that attracted you to our fellowship?
2. What are some things that frustrate you about West Side?  Why?  If examining your heart, does the frustration come from the Spirit or out of choice?
3. The consumerism model of church isn’t necessarily wrong; it has opened the door for the worldly community to hear the gospel message preached.  At what point do we believe this model of thinking harms the mission? (It would help to remind yourselves of the mission of the church)
4. The “I’s” have it? Or do they? Not thinking about what we want is difficult; it’s about what God wants for his community. Upon examining Acts 6, we can see a Christ-followers faith in Action.  Take a few moments to look at Acts 6:1-4 and James 1:26-27. When we get confused about our purpose as a church community, these passages might help ‘rebalance’ us. Discuss if or how you can do this today as a family.
5. During the sermon today, Zac will talk about the church “The Impact of Individualism on Unity - Consumerism.” Be encouraged to take note of things that stand out from today’s message.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS | Family Activity
[Children - Adults] For several weeks now we have encouraged a family prayer board. How is that going?   Here is what that looks like: Find a blank piece of paper or a whiteboard, go around the room asking about any concerns or thanksgivings before a time of Prayer.   Leave this paper where you can see it all week, discuss them everyday and see where God might be working in them. [Deu 6]
Additional Resource | Mission and Vision of the West Side Church of Christ: https://www.westsidear.org/mission-and-vision.html

HOME GUIDE | October 11, 2020
SUMMARY |The Restoration Movement - A Unity Movement Gone Wrong
INTRO | Finding truth seems complicated in this day of information.  Every political party has its experts and qualified communicators to distribute the "truth."  One of the many labels we see about this era is that we live in a "Post-Truth" era.   There is nothing new about this situation we are living; it's merely the generations that are living are new.  Upon reading the gospels, we can quickly discover a division among the people and the "God-Fearing" Jews community.  Jesus seemed to teach about unity through the heart of his hearers.  The "Sermon on the Mount" appears to have an underlying theme.
Take the next few moments a read over Mathew 5-7 and look for two specific theme points.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS |

1. If you were to examine the activities in your family life, what are the themes of your family? Does your activities match with that of Jesus’s teachings in Mathew 5-7?
2. Take a few moments and have a discussion about what is truth? What boundaries are set up that helps define truth?  Read 2 Thessalonians 2:15 as a support verse.  Specifically, ask, what does God expect from his people?
3. What happens when someone doesn’t agree?  Jesus was challenged to state the most important commandment, everyone there was ready to debate on whatever was chosen.   Take a few moments to read Matthew 22:36-40.  How did Jesus respond?
4. Disunity is a real thing in families and society, making the practice of finding the unity points will help us stay focused on what God expects from us.  If you are brave enough, what are some points your family are in full agreement? What might Jesus’s teaching say about our agreement points?
5. Durning the sermon today Tim will talk about the church Restoration Movement - A Unity Movement Gone Wrong.  What do you know about the Restoration Movement?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS | Family Activity
[Children - Adults] For several weeks now we have encouraged a family prayer board. How is that going?   Here is what that looks like: Find a blank piece of paper or a whiteboard, go around the room asking about any concerns or thanksgivings before a time of Prayer.   Leave this paper where you can see it all week, discuss them everyday and see where God might be working in them. [Deu 6]
Additional Resource | Mission and Vision of the West Side Church of Christ: https://www.westsidear.org/mission-and-vision.html

HOME GUIDE | October 4, 2020
SUMMARY |A History of Disunity (1 Corinthians 1-3)
INTRO | As we continue our series 'Clarity Around Unity,' we dive into the letters of Paul. Paul, seemingly an authoritative leader amongst the churches in the New Testament, would often write a letter to address specific issues within the church community. This particular letter, Paul, addresses concerns from the church in Corinth. The church was facing discord over a variety of topics and causing disunity. Paul addresses marriage questions, food sacrificed to idols, orderly worship, spiritual gifts, the nature of the resurrection, and a collection of money for the poor church in Jerusalem.
As you spend the next few minutes reading 1 Corinthians 1-3, consider the topic of unity and how it pertains to our church settings today.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS |

1. In 1 Corinthians 1:1-2 we see that this is a letter from Paul to the the church of God in Corinth. When reading someone else’s mail (in our Bible), it can be challenging to discern what applies to us today vs. what is for the original recipients. What are some things that stand out as applicable to us today vs. what intended for the local church?
2. Consider the storyline in Chapter 1:18-31; Paul uses the language and categories to describe how different sub-groups might respond to the message of God. Take a few moments and discuss how this letter might look if written to the church today. Find the silliness (worldly standards) that leads to unity.
3. In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul gives several examples of comparison between worldly wisdom and spiritual wisdom.  How do you they discerned such a conversation? How do you suppose we do that same? (In other words, we might be in discord by our wisdom yet unified by spiritual wisdom)
4. In 1 Corinthians 3, the letter gets pretty direct in attaching the intelligence of the church. Paul seemingly tried to get everyone to focus on what Christ taught and less on earthly persuasions.  What are your first thoughts? After considering what was said (not how it was said), what are your second thoughts?
5. Durning the sermon today Tim will talk about the History of Disunity. What might be the ultimate goal for your family when it comes to church unity?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS | Family Activity
[Children - Adults] For several weeks now we have encouraged a family prayer board. How is that going?   Here is what that looks like: Find a blank piece of paper or a whiteboard, go around the room asking about any concerns or thanksgivings before a time of Prayer.   Leave this paper where you can see it all week, discuss them everyday and see where God might be working in them. [Deu 6]
Additional Resource | Mission and Vision of the West Side Church of Christ: https://www.westsidear.org/mission-and-vision.html

HOME GUIDE | September 27, 2020
SUMMARY |Unity in the Early Church (Acts 2,4,10,&15)
INTRO | Unity might not mean agreeing with methods. As we search the scriptures, we can find several subjects in unison, and in the same way, we can find some differences. Jesus found answers for the people with two consistent points about the greatest command, Love God and Love others. The early church was divided over semantics yet united in principle. Please take a few moments to read or skim over Acts 2,4,10&15 and see where they found disagreement and where they found unity.
Consider the points of unity as they outweigh the disagreement.        
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS |

1. Does it surprise you there might be disagreements in the early church? Why or Why not?
2. At what point in Acts 2 did the crowd seem unified?
3. In chapter 4:13, the Sanhedrin were astonished… but yet they were not in public agreement.   Why do you think they were afraid to find agreement publicly with Peter and John? (Consider their position of authority, what does the preaching of Jesus do to that position?)
4. In Chapter 10, where might unity be found in this chapter?
5. Chapter 15 is a great example of the early churches understandings clashing. Discuss the differences and the key factors that lead to agreement. (Consider, Personal stories, Humility, Holy Spirit)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS | Family Activity
[Children - Adults] For several weeks now we have encouraged a family prayer board. How is that going?   Here is what that looks like: Find a blank piece of paper or a whiteboard, go around the room asking about any concerns or thanksgivings before a time of Prayer.   Leave this paper where you can see it all week, discuss them everyday and see where God might be working in them. [Deu 6]
Additional Resource | Mission and Vision of the West Side Church of Christ: https://www.westsidear.org/mission-and-vision.html

HOME GUIDE | September 20, 2020
SUMMARY |Unity (John 17)
INTRO | Several examples do well in explaining today's lesson. After graduating from High School, the social assumption is that the student is now a contributing member of society.  In John 16, there is a response from the disciples that might indicate a form of graduating into a group that understands their role in Jesus' ministry. They have been with Jesus through his teachings and healings; they have heard him give warning of the difficult times they will face because of his message.     
    In Jesus' prayer in John 17, Jesus seems to be handing over his mission to the disciples.  This prayer is asking God to bless the disciples and the people who hear this message. Ultimately this is a prayer of the unity of the message.
    
Take a few moments to read John 17; consider this pattern: God sends the message through Jesus, Jesus to the disciples, the disciples to the world that they all may be one in truth. 
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS |

1. What are your first impressions of Jesus’ prayer?  What’s does ‘Sanctify’ mean?
2. Based on this prayer, how would you sum up Jesus’ “goals” for the church?
3. How well do you see yourself doing this today? 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS | Family Activity
[Children - Adults] For several weeks now we have encouraged a family prayer board. How is that going?   Here is what that looks like: Find a blank piece of paper or a whiteboard, go around the room asking about any concerns or thanksgivings before a time of Prayer.   Leave this paper where you can see it all week, discuss them everyday and see where God might be working in them. [Deu 6]
Additional Resource | Mission and Vision of the West Side Church of Christ: https://www.westsidear.org/mission-and-vision.html

HOME GUIDE | September 6, 2020
SUMMARY |Church on mission takes the gospel to an unbelieving world (Acts 17)
INTRO | Today's culture is still accepting of the Christian movement's positive moral path in our small town of Russellville, Arkansas. This thinking isn't the case for many cultures in our world.  In Acts 17 we are exposed to a few cultures with varying degrees of responses to the gospel message. As you take the next few minutes to read Acts 17, please take a few moments to read Acts 17 and note these cultures and their response. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS |

1. [Children] Activity: This week starts off our Take 8 after KFC - Tune into it after today’s sermon.  It is helpful to have access to Right Now media: https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/277852.
   - To continue with the family discussion around the sermon today continue with this guide. 
2. [Children - Adult] Go around the room asking what are the first thoughts about today’s reading.   Consider the following: What are the various areas Paul and his companions took the message of Christ?  And how did they respond?  What is standing out the most about the variety of responses?
3. [Children - Adults] It’s a miss if we don’t see the obvious action taken by Paul and his companions, they taught the Gospel message that “This Jesus is the Messiah”. In vs 5 we see the response from some of the Jews was jealousness, this will lead them to act unfavorably to their Godly characters.    Why do you think they were so upset?   Tell of a time when you were jealous and you didn’t respond favorably to your Godly character? 
4. [Teens - Adults] Tell of a time when something changed and it really upset you, and why?   As you can see the community in Thessalonica was upset because they were not accepting of the message that Jesus was the Messiah. In fact they were so upset they gathered up some “bad people” and caused trouble. The obvious statement here is that God doesn’t want us to behave in this manner.  Take a look at response from the people in Berea.  Would you say this is the better response?  Why?
5. [Teens - Adults] We have to take a moment to review some words to fully understand what’s happening here in vs 16 and following.  Look up works: philosophy, Epimenides, and Stoic.   The setting in Athens is that of the educated group, this group thinks way too much.(vs22).  Paul is asked to speak to this group about God and Jesus.  What is the response of the hearers? 
6. [Teens - Adults] Take a closer look at Pauls sermon starting in vs 24: The God who made the world and everything is the Lord of the heaven and earth and does not live in temples…(In short no need for idols). We are his offspring and it was through one of us (Jesus) we are reconnected to God.   IN Pauls writings he is good about calling people to action.  What action is Paul calling these people? How did they respond?
7. [Teens - Adults] Is it revealing to know that this message we teach in our churches has cultural resistance?   Our task is to do the will of Jesus and others have the task of response, God will manage those who do not have ears to hear.  Do you agree? Why or why not?
8. [Teens - Adults] Take a few moments and write down your message to your friends. Make a list of your closest friends and to the right write out how they might respond to the gospel message.   Then take a few minutes to pray about these responses. 
9. [Children - Adults] In today's lesson, Zac will make a similar statement “Church on mission takes the gospel to an unbelieving world“ If you were to consider the conversation from the previous questions, what areas in your daily life do you see an urging to share the message of Christ?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS | Family Activity for the summer
[Children - Adults] For several weeks now we have encouraged a family prayer board. How is that going?   Here is what that looks like: Find a blank piece of paper or a whiteboard, go around the room asking about any concerns or thanksgivings before a time of Prayer.   Leave this paper where you can see it all week, discuss them everyday and see where God might be working in them. [Deu 6]
Additional Resource | Mission and Vision of the West Side Church of Christ: https://www.westsidear.org/mission-and-vision.html

HOME GUIDE | August 30, 2020
SUMMARY | Church on mission leans on spirit-led leaders to handle difficult questions and problems (Acts 15)
INTRO | The morality of a person is important especially for Christians. In the sermon on the mount in Matthew 5, Jesus is stressing the importance of the believers actions of those in lower economic and social classes, and those in the higher ranks.  Jesus stresses that we are the salt and light of the world.  Unfortunately,  this has taken Christians down the path of rules and regulations for believers that might not have impact on their salvation.  In Acts 15, Paul and Barnabas are met with a group of people communicating mixed messages about the steps required for salvation. The point of tension is the subject of salvation for the Gentile believers.   Take a few moments to read Acts chapter 15 and see how they debated and resolved this subject. 
*Notice that the people are categorized by social groups (Apostles, elders, Gentile, believers, “believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees”.   These categories are in the text to help the reader understand the various perspectives of the people in the conversation.  Focus in on 15:9: He (God) did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS |

1. [Children] Activity: Have the children draw what comes to mind throughout today’s discussion. Help them use their words to describe what GOD is doing in this storyline. 
2. [Children - Adult] Having a simple faith like a child is essential when we try to understand who God loves. What are some rules we think we have to follow to ‘go to heaven’?  
3. [Children - Adults] Take a few moments and discuss why people thought the Gentiles were not in favor of God’s gift of salvation through Jesus. 
4. [Children - Adults] The council at Jerusalem consisted of the believers who come from other religious ‘sects.” From reading the text, who were all in the council? Did one seem to have more authority? 
5. [Teens - Adults] with a heart of everything is permissible, but not everything in the law is condemning. Example: Some might feel as if the auditorium at church is a sacred place that requires reverence. When in reality, it is just a room that we have labeled as sacred in certain moments. Why is something like this difficult to discuss? If we are honest, is it preference? 
6. [Teens - Adults] Why do you think the council has an official ruling in these matters? How does that look today in our church? Who set’s the direction for its members? (ie: Elders) How or why are they selected?
7. [Teens - Adults] In vs 22 and following, Why is it important for the men from the council to go with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch? 
8. [Teens - Adults] Starting in vs36, we discover Paul and Barnabas's sharp disagreement that caused them to separate yet continue on the mission. Isn't it interesting that the Bible shares the brokenness within its own story? For some, this shows respect for the assignment in contrast to if this story were fake or a fairytale, wouldn't you think they would hide all the brokenness? 
9. [Children - Adults] In today's lesson, Tim will make a similar statement “Church on mission leans on spirit-led leaders to handle difficult questions and problems“In your own words, what does it mean to be spirit-led? Have you ever been led by the spirit to help discern a new direction? 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS | Family Activity for the summer
[Children - Adults] For several weeks now we have encouraged a family prayer board. How is that going?   Here is what that looks like: Find a blank piece of paper or a whiteboard, go around the room asking about any concerns or thanksgivings before a time of Prayer.   Leave this paper where you can see it all week, discuss them everyday and see where God might be working in them. [Deu 6]
Additional Resource | Mission and Vision of the West Side Church of Christ: https://www.westsidear.org/mission-and-vision.html

HOME GUIDE | August 23, 2020
SUMMARY | Church on mission is a sent out church (Acts 13-14)
INTRO | At this point in the Acts story Saul (Paul) and Barnabas take over as the main evangelist in the storyline as they travel about sharing the good news to Jews and Gentiles.  We also start to see a pattern of the gospel message preached in the synagogues to God fearing Jews and Gentiles.  There are those who believe and those who want to shut it down to the point of taking the life of Saul and Barnabas. From a social perspective it is important to realize that every community seems to receive these messages differently.  At one point Saul and Barnabas have people sacrificing animals to them because they think they are greek gods in the flesh.  As you take a few moments to read chapter 13 & 14, notice that Saul and Barnabas keep pressing on even in the face of death. 
Key Words to define to help understand today’s reading: synagogue, fasting, elders, sabbath, Zeus, Hermes, Kingdom of God, sorcerer.


DISCUSSION QUESTIONS |

1. [Children] Activity: Have the children draw what comes to mind throughout today’s discussion. Help them use their words to describe what GOD is doing in this storyline. 
   - Color sheet: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/293859944420236902/
2. [Children - Adult] Have you ever had to change schools or taken a new job?  Can you name some things that seemed odd or different but normal for everyone around at the new location? 
3. [Children - Adults] What are some things that stood out to you about today’s reading?  Can you name three? 
4. [Teens- Adults] There seems to be a trend with people wanting to hear about this gospel from God, so much that the high ranking governor officials request the company of Paul and Barnabas.  This was not done without resistance. Take a look at Acts 13:6-12 and discuss the situation and happenings. 
5. [Teens - Adults] In 13:13-52, we see the sermon preached about Christ in the synagogue on the Sabbath. This brief summary was to a group of hearers whom likely have already spent much time in what we refer to the Old Testament. They didn’t call it the Old Testament then but they read from scrolls and told the stories passed down from previous generations. The message of the gospel can be found in vs 38-42.   If you had the opportunity to share this with a friend how would you introduce it and summarize the gospel message? 
6. [Children - Adults] Paul and Barnabas were expelled from this region because of the messages they taught.  Isn’t it amazing that we have rules and laws in this country that allow us to freely teach these messages without the fear of being ‘kicked out.’   Did you notice in vs 51 what they did when they left?  What do you think is meant about this exercise?  
7. [Teens - Adults] Each community is different that includes the religious groups. Something we do at West Side might be normal yet very off putting in another town, even in Arkansas.  In chapter 14, this group was not rooted in any message, they were a group that would move with any convening argument.  Paul encourages us not to be like this in his letter to the Thessalonians, not to be tossed around by every thought.   This group went from having an unhealthy reflection of Paul and Barnabas to being convinced by the Antioch Jews to stone them.  How do we see this kind of behavior today? 
8. [Teens - Adults] Starting in 14:31, what are disciples and elders in this context? 
9. [Children - Adults] Find a bible map and see if you can map out the journey of the Gospel message at this point in the story. This link has a map: https://www.biblestudy.org/maps/pauls-first-journey-map.html
10. [Children - Adults] Mr. Jake might say something along these lines in today’s sermon “the church on mission is a sent out church.”  Before logging into the lesson, What do you believe “sent out” means in our church context?  What do you believe your role is in this message? 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS | Family Activity for the summer
[Children - Adults] For several weeks now we have encouraged a family prayer board. How is that going?   Here is what that looks like: Find a blank piece of paper or a whiteboard, go around the room asking about any concerns or thanksgivings before a time of Prayer.   Leave this paper where you can see it all week, discuss them everyday and see where God might be working in them. [Deu 6]
Additional Resource | Mission and Vision of the West Side Church of Christ: https://www.westsidear.org/mission-and-vision.html

HOME GUIDE | August 9, 2020
SUMMARY | Church on mission trust God to deal with opposition. (9:1-31)
Saul’s Conversion
9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”“Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.23 After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,[a] but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
INTRO | Having opposition can be difficult especially when the result has  life changing impact. In today’s lesson we re-discover once again where God’s plan plays out even when all looks dim. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS |

1. [Children] Activity: Have the children draw what comes to mind throughout today’s discussion. Help them use their words to describe what GOD is doing in this storyline. 
   - Kids Video: youtube.com/watch?v=z-r0HjxJI_8
2. [Children - Adult] Can you think of a time when someone you considered to be bad ended up being good? Share this experience. 
3. [Children - Adults] Isn’t it interesting that Saul had a large amount of support from his friends and leaders to go and persecute members of “The Way?” (Define: persecute and the group the Way) Why do you think Saul had so much support? 
4. [Children - Adults] If you are following along in the story laid out in Acts you will see that Saul was there when Stephen gave his testimony about who Jesus was and how it connected to the larger biblical storyline.  Stephen’s message about Jesus being the Christ fueled Saul to ‘shut down’ these messages.   When Jesus appeared to Paul what do you think was running through Saul’s mind at the moment?
   - Have fun with this question, play it out in the room. (example: Older siblings play the role of Saul’s companions, the little will play Saul.  One of the parents play Jesus.  Blind fold “Saul” for the next few questions.  Have the child describe their senses.
5. [Teens - Adults] Starting in verse 3, Saul sees a bright light that causes him to humble himself before the light.  Consider the setting, Saul has all the confidence and support he needs then all a sudden something appears and ‘humbles Saul.”  Why do you think only Saul could see what was happening? 
6. [Children - Adults] Tell each other about a moment when you were afraid to do the right thing yet you did it anyway’s because it was the right thing. 
7. [Teens - Adults] Gentile: Non-Jewish person, likely not considered part of the Jewish God fearing community without specific steps of conversion.   Ananias, was a member of the Way who Saul originally set out to bring to trial.   God directs Ananias to give Saul his next steps in this process.  Take a moment and look at verses 17-30.  Discuss the things that happened and consider the change in Saul’s mission. 
8. [Teens - Adults] Consider a time when there were very few who believed in you and your mission. Who were the ones that believed in you?  See in verse 27, who befriended Saul and gave the apostles confidence in this man who will end up being a major role in our New Testament bibles. 
9. [Children - Adults] In today's lesson, Tim will make a similar statement "Church on mission trust God to deal with opposition." If you were to consider the conversation from the previous questions, what areas in your daily life do you see an urging to share the message of Christ? Maybe, you are called to support another person in their spiritual gift. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS | Family Activity for the summer
[Children - Adults] For several weeks now we have encouraged a family prayer board. How is that going?   Here is what that looks like: Find a blank piece of paper or a whiteboard, go around the room asking about any concerns or thanksgivings before a time of Prayer.   Leave this paper where you can see it all week, discuss them everyday and see where God might be working in them. [Deu 6]
Additional Resource | Mission and Vision of the West Side Church of Christ: https://www.westsidear.org/mission-and-vision.html