WE ARE CONVINCED! The Power of the Holy Spirit

The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon preached by Rev. Tommy Dove at the Grace Place on Sunday, February 15, 2015. To get the most from these questions, go to http://www.graceplace.us and click on “Streaming.”  From there you can watch or listen to the service first.

These questions can be used in your private Bible study during the week or as the topic for a small group study. For more information on hosting or leading a small group study, click on "GP Small Groups" under "GP Ministries" at www.graceplace.us.

Fellowship: (Break bread with your community, share life from last week, announcements for next week)

Icebreaker: (Get to know your fellow believers a little bit better using this week’s topic)

Did you read fairy tales as a child?  Did you read them to your children?

How do you feel about Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny?

How do you feel about stories about magic and sorcerers?

Scripture: (Read the word together – use different readers, different versions, just read it)

Acts 8:9-25

Lesson: (Delve deeper into the Word and into the sermon using open-ended questions)

The story of Simon, the sorcerer, is not a familiar story, yet, its theme is very familiar.  Money can buy privilege and power.  Simon wrongly believed that his money could buy him the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit, like Jesus’ sacrifice, is a free gift given to those who believe.

Who was this man, Simon?

What was he doing?

Why are people attracted to the super natural?

How did Simon respond to the miracles performed by the disciples?

Who was receiving the Holy Spirit?

Why did Simon want this ability?

How do you think Simon’s life turned out?

How do we use the power of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer: (Share each other’s burdens, become a community of believers)