Text Study for Sunday, August 10, 2025

Series Theme: You Welcomed Me

Reading: Acts 9:36-42

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

Tell about an inspiring woman in your life.

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Lord Jesus, you welcomed all who came into your presence. May I reflect that same spirit through this ministry of hospitality. May your light shine in my heart this day. Remove from me anything that would stand in the way of radiating your presence.

As people enter this Church to worship and praise You, may they hear your voice in my words and see your love in my actions. May my “welcome” reflect our joy at their presence amid my “good-by” encourage them to return soon.

I thank you for the opportunity to serve you and ask your blessing upon all my efforts. I ask this through our God who is the giver of all gifts.

CONTEXT

As people of faith, we are called to practice hospitality not as a mere act of kindness, but as a sacred expression of our beliefs. Hospitality is a faith practice that reflects the heart of God. When we welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable, and create space for others at our tables, we do so as if we are serving Jesus himself.

In extending hospitality, we embody the love, grace, and radical welcome of Christ. It is not optional or occasional—it is a core part of our discipleship. Through hospitality, we bear witness to a God who receives all with open arms and calls us to do the same. Join us on this journey with our sermon series, You Welcomed Me, will explore this need to welcome, care for, walk with, include, and show kindness.

From Dr Matt Skinner at EntertheBible.org:

Because it provides a perspective on the work of the apostles and Paul that we get nowhere else, the Book of Acts of the Apostles is invaluable as a witness to the development of followers of “the Way” of God disclosed in Jesus. Driving the message of Acts is the conviction that God’s Holy Spirit, now inextricably bound to the risen Jesus, empowers and legitimates the activities of believers at many critical points. The opening of salvation (being in covenant relationship with the God of Israel) to all people is the beating heart of this book. Around this central theological idea Acts also emphasizes that believers are called to hospitality, friendship, and boldness in proclamation and interpretation of Scripture.

LOOK AT THE BOOK

How is it with your spirit this week?
Where have you encountered a stranger this past week? What was it like?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
Open to Acts 9. How does this chapter open? Who is present?
Jump to Acts 9:31. What is happening? How do you think this happens?
The attention in this book alternates between Paul and Peter. The focus is now on Peter; he was the leader of the Jerusalem church, while Paul extended the church outwards. What do we know about Peter?
Who takes center stage in verse 36? Why is this important?
This is the second of two healing stories. Who was healed in the first story?
What do we learn about Tabitha? Why was another name “Dorcas” included?
Who is like Tabitha in your life?
What does the community do when she dies? Why was she so important to the community?
What does Peter do? What gives him the power and authority to do so?
Your church is called “Easter.” How do we live that promise together, as a community?
Why are stories like Tabitha important today? Who were witnesses to the good news in verse 41?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

Who is someone you feel is unseen in today’s world? Why? Learn about a group that is extending care to them.

God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Grow Guide | August 10, 2025