HOME GUIDE | AUGUST 2, 2020

HOME GUIDE | August 2,2020
SUMMARY | Disciples on mission are always on the watch to make disciples. (Acts 8:26-40)
Philip and the Ethiopian
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goesdown from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian[a] eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.32 This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading:
“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
    and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
    so he did not open his mouth.
33 In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
    Who can speak of his descendants?
    For his life was taken from the earth.”[b]
34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” [37] [c] 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea. (Acts 8:26-40 NIV)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS |

Have you ever had the urge to reach out to someone? Maybe via text message, phone call or a quick drop by the house? It can feel weird to follow through on these emotions. As praying Christians we should be sensitive to things like this because they typically have an eternal impact.   In today’s lesson we will hear about a time when a disciple went out of his way because of an urge. Take a few moments to read Acts 8:26-40 and see what happens when following through on that spiritual urge. ​

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/696369161107978910/
   - Kids Video: youtube.com/watch?v=TGEqn7_teFo
2. [Children - Adult] Take the next few moments and discuss your first thoughts about the story. 
3. [Children - Adults] What significance, if any, does the ethnicity and position of the main character play in this story?
4. [Children - Adults] Have you ever had a deep urging to connect with someone only to find out it was a blessing?  Share these stories. 
5. [Teens - Adults] In verse 27, we gain the context of the Ethiopian eunuch as he was traveling from a time of worship in Jerusalem. He was reading from the scroll of Isaiah the prophet.  This is where Philip ran up near the chariot and heard the man reading.  Philip was given the chance to explain what he was reading. Then Philip shared the “good news” about Jesus.   What specifically do we think Philip shared with the Ethiopian? 
6. [Children - Adults] In light of question 5, how would you describe the message of God and Jesus to a friend?   What phrases would you use, how would you justify it? 
7. [Teens - Adults] Did you notice in vs 36 the eunuch was ready to be baptized?  This is one of the evidences that shows baptism is part of the plan of Salvation. As you reflect upon all the stories in Acts can you find the following steps of salvation in these readings?  Hear the word, Believe the message, Repent, Confess, and be baptized. 
8. [Children - Adults] In today's lesson, Tim will make a similar statement "Disciples on mission are always on the watch to make disciples." 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?  Would you consider writing down your plan of action/response?

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