Read:  Acts 8:26-40

Open

As you read this text, engage your imagination.  How do you imagine this story?  What detail about the story captures your imagination?

Dig

In this scripture passage we discover three gifts for us.  The first is the importance of the Bible as an entry point into life in the Kingdom of God.  What is your habit in terms of reading the Bible?  Are you satisfied with your practice of Bible reading?  If not, how would you like to improve your practice of Bible reading?

The second gift we receive in this passage is that wisdom is about friendship.  The Ethiopian receives wisdom through his new friendship and mentoring relationship with Philip.  Have you had someone who has acted as a mentor to you in your life?  Share with the group about this person.

The third gift that is revealed in this passage is the Holy Spirit and his activity in our lives.  Allan asked the question, “Do we try to keep the Holy Spirit boxed in?”  Have we domesticated the gospel?  How would you answer these questions?

“Following Christ is the grandest adventure of all.”  Do you agree?  What evidence would you cite from your own life that this is true?

Reflect

Is there a friend/mentor in your life that you need to thank?

In the sermon we were told that Philip’s story is not an isolated story, that we are surrounded by people afraid to voice their questions about God.  Are there any people or “chariots” that you believe the Holy Spirit may be telling you to go to and “stay near it” [v. 29]?  Can you pray together for those people?  Can you pray that the Holy Spirit might direct you to such a person?  Can you ask one another to share with one another the next time you meet how the Holy Spirit answered that prayer?