Skip to content
Small Group Questions
Acts 10 – Message by John Liles
- The Limit of Good Works The transcript describes Cornelius as a “devout man” who gave to the poor and led his family well, yet “something was missing.” Why is a good reputation or religious fervor insufficient without the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
- Faith in Hard Places John Liles speaks about the “beautiful revival” in Iran despite 40 years of oppression. How does this challenge our perspective on “difficult” people or countries that seem closed to the Word of God?
- The Danger of Comfort The speaker notes that while Italy is beautiful, the spiritual work there is “difficult.” Do we tend to seek places of comfort rather than the “tough places” where God may be calling us? How do we overcome our own “hardheadedness”?
- Seeing the Signs Liles points out the repetition of the number three in Peter’s vision (the sheet three times, three men seeking him). Are there “fireworks” or messages God has been repeating in your life that you have been too stubborn to hear?
- Challenging Our Bias (Acts 10:14-15) Peter struggled to eat what he considered “unclean.” What personal biases or traditions might be preventing you from reaching out to someone in your community who is “different”?
- The “Joppa” Connection Peter was in Joppa—the same place Jonah fled from. How does Peter’s willingness to go to the Gentiles contrast with Jonah’s rebellion? Have you ever tried to do things “your way” instead of God’s?
- Tilling the Soil Liles uses a farming metaphor, stating that we can’t change the “soil” of a heart—only God can. How does this shift the burden of “success” from our shoulders back to the Farmer (God)?
- The Requirement of the “Open Mouth” The transcript says, “Then Peter opened his mouth.” You can live a good life and be a nice neighbor, but why is the verbal sharing of the Word of God essential for someone to be saved?
- Success Redefined In a place where growth is slow, Liles measures success by how many times he shared the Word. How would your week look different if you measured “success” by your obedience rather than the results you see?
- Doubting Nothing God told Peter to go with the men, “doubting nothing.” Where is God asking you to step out in faith right now, even if the path looks “crazy” or outside of your usual routine?
