Weekly Discussion Guide

Pastor Matt talked about why Christians believe that there is no other way to be saved other than trusting in Jesus—and why many non-Christians seem so resistant to that idea.

MY STORY
Describe a time when you’ve been absolutely certain of something— then changed your mind. What was the knowledge “gap” that was in your blind spot?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. (Acts 18:24-25)

What abilities did Apollos possess, and how did he put them to use for the Lord? Despite those gifts, what were the gaps in Apollos’ knowledge base?

He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. (Acts 18:26)

Do you get the sense that Apollos was wrong to preach before he fully understood all the implications of the Gospel? Why or why not?

How can waiting to be 100% prepared and ready for any situation hold us back from making an impact for Jesus?

Paul spoke boldly in the synagogue in Ephesus for three months, but withdrew when some people started misrepresenting the claims of Christ. Then he moved to the hall of Tyrannus, where he continued to speak daily for two years to whoever would listen.

Read John 14:6 ...

Jesus said ...“No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Why do some people so fervently object to the Christian claim that salvation is only possible through Christ?

Why is this belief one of the non-negotiable tenets of Christianity?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Describe some of the rituals or practices of religious life that can be mistaken as substitutes for salvation. What are some ways that non-religious people try to show that they are “good,” and thus worthy of heaven?

Have you ever been tempted to rely on something other than faith in Jesus, or in addition to faith, for your salvation? If so, why?

Both Apollos and Paul are described as sharing the Gospel “boldly.”

What does it mean to bold without being obnoxious and alienating?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Be bold and ask a non-Christian what he or she believes about life after death. Look for a possible gap in a blind spot that might be used as a bridge for the Gospel.

What do you sense God might be leading you to do over the next seven days?