Grow Guide | June 7, 2026
Text Study for Sunday, June 7, 2026
Series Theme: Continue to Believe
Reading: Acts 9:1-6, 10-18
CONNECTING QUESTIONS
Tell about a time it was hard to catch your breath.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of life, we celebrate the good news that Jesus has been raised from the dead. Make us confident in the truth of Christ’s resurrection and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
CONTEXT
Our sermon series will examine how the disciples and early believers CONTINUE TO BELIEVE. What did it mean for them and what can we learn from their experience of being sent into the world? As Christians, we carry the peace of Jesus in our hearts and are compelled to share it. We are to share Jesus with everyone! Through our kindness, to be bold in our knowledge of Jesus' resurrection, whether we've seen it not. We are to honor the many gifts we each have for the good of the kingdom. We are to stand side-by-side with those who are not like us. We are to lean into the holy spirit's guidance and CONTINUE TO BELIEVE!
From Dr Sarah Henrich at EntertheBible.org:
Why do the three descriptions of Paul’s calling to faith in Christ (9:1-19; 22:3-16; 26:9-18) differ from each other? The differences point out the importance of understanding speech-making in the ancient world in relation to distinctive audiences and contexts. Rhetorical details take shape from Paul’s aim to persuade specific audiences of the truth that Jesus was the crucified-risen Messiah of God, who had commissioned Paul’s mission to the Gentiles.
LOOK AT THE BOOK
How is it with your spirit this week?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
Open to Acts 9. Who do we meet? What do we know about them?
Notice, what is the first action this person is doing? “Breathing” is mentioned. Why?
In Hebrew understanding, the Holy Spirit is described three ways: Spirit, Wind and Breath. Where are three places in the Bible we see those images emerge? What stories illustrate them?
What did Saul ask the high priest for? Why might he have done this?
What is Paul’s destination in verse three? What do you know about this location and its current relevance?
What is a detail you did not notice before about Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus?
How does Saul respond to this encounter with Jesus? What happened to Jacob after he wrestled with the angel at the river Jabbok in Genesis 32?
In Damascus, Saul meets Ananais whose name means, “God has been gracious.” How does that name’s meaning become important in this story?
Have you, like Ananais, been asked to do something or connect with someone you did not want to? What was it like? What did you learn?
In verse 15, what is the “reason” given that Ananias should help Paul?
Google the prayer attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, “Lord, let me be an instrument of your peace.” What stands out to you?
In what ways can Easter Lutheran Church learn to be “instruments of peace” to share the love of God more clearly to our neighbors? How might God be calling us to do so?
How is Jesus good news for us this week?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
TAKING IT HOME
How might you be an instrument of peace to those around you this week?
Sending Prayer
Holy God, you reveal your glory in Jesus Christ and make your people one in his name. Transform us through him and shine your light on the whole world, that we would move into the future you have for us with confidence and joy in his holy name. Amen.