GROUP GUIDE
Leading a group through these questions? Here’s a simple guide for 1.5-2 hour GROUP meeting.
Welcome and Opening Prayer. (5 minutes)
Read the passage aloud. (5 minutes)
Guide the group through the questions. (30-60 minutes)
Take time to share prayer requests and pray for each other. (15-30 minutes)
TEACHING RECAP
Summary: What if the biggest thing blocking the gospel isn’t the world—but us? In Acts 10–11, God begins opening the door to the nations, but first he has to change the heart of one of his own leaders. Could it be that some of the barriers holding the gospel back today are inside the church? Join us as we explore how God prepares hearts, breaks barriers, and expands our vision for his mission.
Main Points:
Scene 1: For the gospel to move forward, hearts must be prepared.
Scene 2: For the gospel to move forward, barriers must be crossed.
Scene 3: For the gospel to move forward, vision must be expanded.
6 Lessons:
1. Every person bears God’s image and desperately needs the salvation of Jesus.
2. There is one church made up of all who follow Jesus—prejudice has no place among us.
3. Many people today are like Cornelius: humble, generous, prayerful, and in need of Jesus.
4. Sometimes the greatest barrier to the gospel is the church itself.
5. Humble, prayerful dependence on God opens the door to transformation.
6. The mission of Jesus requires us to step into uncomfortable places.
On-Ramps:
Pray for God to reveal your prejudices and change your heart.
Ask for Godʼs vision to see those who are open to him.
Invite people who donʼt know Jesus into your home.
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
What do you learn about Cornelius from the passage? Who was he? What was he like? Do you know a sincere seeker like Cornelius?
What kinds of barriers still exist today that can prevent people from hearing the gospel? Is the church one of those barriers? Why or why not?
What can you learn from Peter’s response to the people in Cornelius’ house? How do you articulate the gospel? How might you share the ways that Jesus is transforming you before you confront others about how they need to change?
Of the six lessons from this week’s message, which one poses the greatest challenge to the attitude of your heart or the way you live your life? Why do you think that is?
How do you want to respond to this passage in your daily life? Is there someone who doesn’t know Jesus whom you could invite into your home?
PRAYER
Pray that God would reveal your prejudices and change your heart, and ask him to give you the vision to see those who are open to him.
Next week: Acts 11:19–30; 13:1–3
