6. Look back at Acts 1:3-5. Read :45-49. Make a list of those things which did and told his followers after his resurrection. Small Group Questions “The Church Afire: Necessary Measures” 7. What instructions and insights did Jesus give his Acts 1:1-11 followers concerning the ?

1. What was the most surprising detail about the Book of 8. What other recorded activities occurred between Jesus’ Acts that you heard during Steve’s sermon last resurrection and his ascension? weekend? Was it about the author, the man, the recipient, the date, the story or the purpose of Acts? a. What “convincing proofs that he was alive” (1:3) can you find in :19-29 and 21:1-14? 2. When you prepare to go on a trip, what preparations do you make in advance? Why are those preparations b. Who did Jesus appear to in 1 Corinthians 15:4-8? necessary? c. Which of these convincing proofs do you think you a. If you were going on the upcoming trip to Israel with would have believed had you been there? Why? ECC, what would you do to prepare for the trip? d. What would you do to convince a friend about the 3. Read Acts 1:1-11. What do you find to be the most resurrection? important about this passage? Why? 9. What was the apostles’ view of what the kingdom of 4. How long did Jesus appear to his apostles according to God would look like (1:6)? Acts 1:3? a. Jesus clarifies that the kingdom is not just about 5. When the uses “40 days” you might want to stop physical Israel. To what extent must the kingdom and ask the question, “What is God about to do?” Look be extended (Acts 1:8)? at the following Scriptures and ask the question, “What is God up to?” b. Has there been a time in your own life where you were looking for something that you thought was a. Genesis 7:4 important and Jesus gave you an answer that changed your perspective? How did that make you b. Exodus 24:18 & 31:18 feel? Discuss.

c. Numbers 13:1, 25; Numbers 14:32-34 10. If you were one of the apostles, how would you have felt about Jesus leaving? d. Luke 4:2 11. Who does Jesus promise will fill the void of his absence e. Acts 1:3 (1:8)? See :16-17. 12. What did the angels tell the apostles about the return of Group. Be prepared to share about this with your group Jesus (1:10-11)? See also 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. next week.

13. Look back at your list of things that Jesus did and said . in Acts 1:1-8. How was Jesus preparing the aposltes? Next Steps:

a. Why was this preparation important? For which of the following are you thankful? Check all that apply. b. What question would you have liked to ask Jesus had you been there? How do you think Jesus might 9 That Jesus convincingly demonstrated his resurrection have answered you? from the dead to the apostles (and us).

14. The word “witness” is used in Acts 1:8. The Greek word 9 That Jesus provided the necessary instructions to his is actually the word “martys” from which we get our apostles (and us) about how to faithfully follow him. English word “martyr.” How might this expand our view of what a witness should be willing to do? 9 That Jesus promised he would not abandon his apostles (or us), but would leave behind the Holy Spirit a. Jesus told the apostles about his gift of the Holy as a comforter (Jn 14:16-17). Spirit before telling them they would be his witnesses. What significance does that imply, if 9 That we can live in hopefulness and anticipation of any? Christ’s return.

b. Can you think of some costs the apostles may have faced for following Jesus and being his witnesses?

c. What costs are there today for following Jesus and being his witness?

d. Who will give us power to be his witnesses (1:8)?

15. In Acts 1:8 Jesus says, “You will be my witnesses.” Where do you feel called to be a witness for Christ?

16. What (if anything) holds you back from being a witness for Christ?

17. Challenge: This weekend between worship services, look for someone you do not know. Introduce yourself and talk with them, perhaps invite them to your Small