“Fanatical Obedience, Final Authority”

April 25, 2010 Acts 5:27-42   Play AUDIO (mp3)  Play VIDEO (320x240 wmv, 218 kbps)

CHALLENGING AUTHORITY A POPULAR PASTIME

•    What authorities do you most often hear grumbled about? Choose one item to pray for an authority in that area and thank God for that authority’s oversight.
•    What evidence, if any, do you see of tendencies toward increasing rebellion / anarchy? What can our church do help fight Paul’s list in 2Tim 3:2ff?

WHOSE AUTHORITY? CONSPIRE OR COMPLY

•    (review) How do we know authority was a key issue in Peter’s interaction with the religious leaders?
•    In your own experience, can you think of someone who seemed to exude godly authority resulting from time spent with Jesus? (Acts 4:13)
•    What role does quoting Scripture play in the church’s praying with authority? (Acts 4:25f) Have you tried praying this way?

AUTHORITY’S OUTFLOW

•    Which of the marks of authority (boldness, fellowship, fear, miracles, freedom) do you sense is most lacking in today’s church - at large? our own congregation? What gets in the way of this?
•    Share any examples you can think of when one of these factors WAS exhibited. Praise God for it!

AUTHORITY’S SOURCE

•    Why do we become tongue-tied when there’s an opportunity to declare the roots of Christian authority? Spend some time praying for boldness (like the early church).

AUTHORITY’S OBJECTIVE: REVERING HIM, REVAMPING US

•    What managers / bosses have you had, if any, who typified authority that served rather than ‘played the heavy’? What effect did they have on the workplace?
•    Where you are now, this week, which benefit do you feel most in need of? (repentance - forgiveness - Holy Spirit - sense of being valued/worthy) Can someone pray for you in that regard?

SEW ON FIRE

•    Ms. Hagar admitted “I hate sewing” nevertheless God has used her mightily. In what areas of your life do you sense God is at work, notwithstanding your lack of ability / prowess?
•    Is there currently a mercy-ministry of any kind pressing on your heart that others in your group might also be feeling led to help out with?