Week of April 24

Psalm 148
John 13:31-35;
Acts 11:1-18 

1. What does the psalmist call all creation to do (vv. 1-4,)? Why is the praise appropriate (vv. 5-6)? Does that include humans (v. 11-12)?

2. Does the psalmist say how creation is to praise God? How do you think God would want to be praised? How do you praise God? When do you praise God?

3. What does Jesus say will happen to him (v. 31)? And if Jesus is glorified, who else will be glorified (v. 31)? What might be another way to say verse 32? Who does Jesus speak to in verse 33 and what does he tell then? What will the disciples do and why will they not be able to find him (v. 33)?

4. What is the new commandment Jesus gives the disciples (v. 34)? What will be the impact of this new commandment? Would the average person know you are a follower of Christ? How is this commandment different from the second commandment that a person is to love his neighbor as himself?

5. What had the apostles and believers in Judea heard about the Gentiles (v. 1)? When Peter arrived in Jerusalem, why was he criticized (v. 3)? Do you find it strange the fault Peter was alleged to have committed? Do you ever judge people merely based on who they pass time with? Do you ever congregate with people who are different from you?

6. What story does Peter tell the apostles in Jerusalem (vv. 4-14)? What did Peter learn in verse 9? When Peter began to speak to the people in the household, what happened to them (v. 15)? What was the reaction to those who heard Peter’s story (v. 18)? What did they conclude about the gentiles (v. 18)? Is anyone to be excluded from God’s love and the grace of Jesus Christ? Do you ever draw conclusions about a person merely by how they look? Have you ever been surprised that your initial conclusions were wrong? What do you think people think of you when they first see you? 

Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 1, 2016

Psalm 67
John 14:23-29;
Acts 16:9-15