Grow Guide | May 3 2026
Text Study for Sunday, May 3, 2026
Series Theme: Continue to Believe
Reading: Acts 4:1-13
CONNECTING QUESTIONS
What was an embarrassing public moment in your life? Why? What happened?
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 Karoline Lewis at EntertheBible.org:
In the name of Jesus, Peter and John heal a man born lame and preach the good news of God’s universal restoration. After they are questioned, warned, and released by religious authorities, they and their own community experience anew the power of the Holy Spirit that will enable them to continue to speak the word of God confidently.
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?
Who is someone who has explained their faith in Jesus to you boldly? What was it like?
Open to Acts 4. Peter and John are working in Jerusalem to share about Jesus. There they are confronted by a group called the Sadducees. Google them; what do we know about this group that often appears opposite of Jesus.
Many groups rebuked Jesus because of their larger concerns about creating an issue with the Roman oppressors. They worried about drawing attention that would result in people being punished or killed unjustly. What is an issue that is not getting the attention you feel deserved in our society? Why?
Peter and John represented the church rooted in Jerusalem—Hebrew speaking. Paul, who comes later, represents the wider church, Greek speaking and Gentile. In Christ’s church, both Paul’s community and Peter’s community are welcome. Who do you see as someone outside of the church? Can we see them? Why or why not?
What question is asked of Peter and John in verse six? Note, what “powers” his response in the next verse?
Part of the message Peter delivers to the people of Jerusalem emphasizes that God’s salvation would come through a “prophet like Moses” from among the Jews, as promised in Deuteronomy 18:15 (Acts 3:17-26). God had also promised that in Abraham “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). God keeps these promises in Jesus of Nazareth and his community of followers. (Enter the Bible.org)
Verse 12 is powerful, and the above quote from EntertheBible helps us understand why. What is the claim of Peter about Jesus in verse 12? Why is this troubling to people?
In what ways can Easter Lutheran Church become a place for people to practice bold speech? How can we practice speaking the name of Jesus boldly—and all he represents to us without it seeming to be a personal attack somehow?
How is Jesus good news for us this week?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
TAKING IT HOME
In one sentence, why is Jesus “good news” for you and others?
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.