SURREY CHAPEL CONNECT FELLOWSHIP GROUP NOTES - 13th/14th July 2016

Acts 17v10-15
BEREA – SHARING THE GOSPEL IN AN OPEN ENVIRONMENT

F.B.Meyer gives the following comments in his summary notes - -True nobility consists in being open to any new truth that God may reveal to us from His Word. The one test of truth is Scripture. We should examine the Scriptures ‘daily’ as the Bereans did. If only our people would love the Bible, saturate their minds with it and teach it to their children, what different results would follow the preaching of the gospel.

v10	‘BUSINESS AS USUAL’
Berea. An important town that was not on a main route.
One door shut – now another door opening. Notice the first recordable thing they do - - why? Paul had an open door with the Jews - are we willing to take opportunities like that?
Do we look for opportunities (and take them)– where there is an openness to the gospel? Is it our desire to share Jesus – or are we ashamed (or shy) to speak of Him?

v11	OPENNESS BUT NOT GULLIBLE
What makes these Bereans ‘’more noble’ than the Thessalonians? Why do you think Luke records this contrast?
Note their keenness to know the truth – what ways do we follow their example?
Why do you read the Bible? Why do you listen to God’s Word being preached and taught?
Is it that perhaps you are dissatisfied with yourself and the world around and thirsty and wanting to know God’s truth? cf. Psalm 119 v97-104 and 129-136 What is your take on that?

v12	RESULTANT BELIEVERS
Thank God that though some stubborn Jews believed in Thessalonica – here many Jews and also Greeks received the gospel and believed. You ought to expect that when people are prepared to look at the Bible honestly. John 15 v26 Never be ashamed to quote the Bible (and explain it). This is good reason for persuading people to read the Bible - - not just talk!!!
What passage/s or verses would you recommend an unbeliever read and study?

v13	TROUBLE MAKERS ARRIVE
News travelled fast even in those days. These Jews came probably with the half truths as in v7. Be sure there is the same treatment today – from those against any who talk about Jesus.
How do you react when someone opposes you as you share the gospel?

v14-15  PLAN ‘B’ AGAIN
Paul is sent on away form the trouble - -without any explanation. Perhaps Timothy was left to go back to see how the Thessalonian Christians were, as Paul was concerned for them. 1Thessalonians 2v17 to 3v3 When is it right to ‘pack up and move on’ with sharing the gospel?

OVERALL - - Paul, Timothy and Silas – reached out with the gospel in Thessalonica, Berea and Athens. They began where there was an opening – with the Jews. Each time there were conversions, but at each place they had to move quickly on. However always they continued to share the gospel wherever the opportunity occurred. Look up 2 Cor 5v14-15 & 19 and also 1 Peter 3v15.

PRAYER POINTS:-
Use for prayer – 2 Thessalonians 3v1-5
Holiday Club - 23rd to 25th August – pray for Matt leading and need for helpers.

PLEASE NOTE – July 27th/28 Groups – Group Social / Pick your own Study

D.J.