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Acts 8

From the very beginning, God's heart has been for every nation, every people, and every language to know the hope of Jesus Christ. That mission continues today as ordinary men and women faithfully carry the gospel to places where Christ is not yet known. Join us for a special Sunday as we hear how God is at work through Alliance missionaries across Europe, planting churches, strengthening believers, and bringing the hope of Christ to communities throughout the continent.

1. "In short, the Church began in power, moved in power, and moved just as long as she had power. When she no longer had power she dug in for safety and sought to conserve her gains. But her blessings were like manna: when they tried to keep it overnight it bred worms and stank." A.W. Tozer, Paths to Power — What blessings have you been trying to preserve at the cost of boldness in faith, prayer, or testimony?

2. Read Romans 14:15; 2 Corinthians 8:8; Galatians 5:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22 — What does it mean for the church to be known by its love for the "brethren"?

3. Read Acts 8:4 —Notice that though the Christians fled, they did not hide. How do we know when to retreat and/or when to stop fighting?

4. Have you ever had a "slow pitch" spiritual opportunity? Please share.

5. Read Isaiah 53. What passages of scripture have you identified with?

6. What happens when we think we are the main character of our story?