Text Study for Sunday, June 1, 2025

Series Theme: Called Together And Sent Out

Reading: Acts 15:1-4, 12-19

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

Tell about a club or group that you take part in that has rules. Give an example of a rule. For example, to be part, you must pay a monthly fee.

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Everlasting God, the whole universe sings a new song of praise: the rivers clap their hands, the hills ring out for joy. As you have raised us to new life in Christ, give us voices ready to cry out for justice and proclaim resurrection joy wherever your Spirit leads us. In Jesus’ name we boldly pray. Amen.

CONTEXT

Christ is Risen! Alleluia! As Christians we are “Called Together and Sent Out!” This next sermon series will explore ways the earliest believers were both brought together throughout diverse settings and sent out into the world to share the good news. We will learn from stories that bridge differences and find common ground in faith. How can Easter learn from these stories to both build community and continue to always look beyond to love and serve?

From Dr Sarah Henrich at EntertheBible.org:

The Jerusalem council’s decision to welcome Gentile believers apart from circumcision is certified as the will of God directed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:8-9, 28). At the same time, suspicion about the Gentiles’ lack of adherence to the Torah (Jewish law) continues to be an issue. Suspicion later dogs Paul’s footsteps, as he discovers when he returns to Jerusalem (21:20-25).

LOOK AT THE BOOK

How is it with your spirit this week?
Easter is a season of new life...in Christ. Where have you seen signs of new life this week?
Open to Acts 15. Paul and others are busy traveling all over the mediterranean, and there is still a community in Jerusalem. The action brings us back to the Jerusalem community here.
What is the presenting issue? If you turn back to Acts 10, Peter has a vision from God that says the church should welcome people who are not culturally or of Jewish descent. Why was this a big deal?
In verse 15:2, who is arguing? What do we know about them? Google for more information!
Where do Paul and Barnabas go to get a “definitive word” about whether gentiles need to be circumcised?
What good news in happening in verse 3?
What is important task in happening in the church in verse four? How do we do this at Easter?
Jump to Acts 15:12. What is happening in that moment?
What is James saying in verses 13-19? What does he use as “proof?”
Who is Simeon? It’s a Greek form of Simon or Peter. He is the “rock” of the church!
What is James’s conclusion in verse 19?
What is a barrier keeping people out of the church—today? Why?
What is an essential practice or conviction that every Christian should have? Why?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

People come to church because they were invited. Who can you invite this week?

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 | June 1, 2025