Highlights from the Holy Land

FIVE LOCATIONS, FIVE LIFE LESSONS 

#1 CAESAREA  | THE CHURCH BECOMES A MOVEMENT  

 Acts 10:1, Acts 10:34–48, Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:19-20 

#2 BETH-SHEAN | SHORTCUTS GET YOU KILLED   

1 Samuel 28:19, Samuel 31:1, 2 Samuel 1:19 

#3 THE CURSE OF CHORAZIN | A WARNING FOR THE CHURCH  

Matthew 11:21-24 and Luke 10:13-16 

#4 ELIJAH AND MOUNT CARMEL | A LESSON FOR LEADERS  

1 Kings 19:4, 1 Kings 19:5-8, 1 Kings 19:9–12, 1 Kings 19:19 

#5 GOLGOTHA AND THE GARDEN TOMB | NO MORE SECRET DISCIPLES  

John 19:17, John 19:41, John 19:38-39 

TALK IT OVER  

Ice Breaker -  What is one of the most incredible places you have ever been?  

1. Today we are exploring unique places and people from the Holy Land. As we open our Bibles, it's essential to consider the places and people that are part of our world history. You can visit most of these geographical sites today. Pastor Ryan shared about his recent trip to Israel. Who has been to Israel? Who would want to go?  

2. What part of the message stood out to you the most and why? 

3. Pastor Ryan talked about the importance of the church as a movement, not a museum. It becomes a museum when believers stop sharing their faith. In Acts 10, The Apostle Peter is convinced that the gospel message is for all people. Not just the Jews, but everyone. A Roman soldier named Cornelius sends for Peter, and Peter goes to Caesarea. Peter preaches to the Gentiles in Cornelius’ house. The Holy Spirit comes upon Gentile believers, and the church grows as a movement among all kinds of people. It all started in Caesarea. Read Acts 10:1. What does it say? Read what Peter ends up saying about Acts 10:34-35. What’s this mean?  

5. As Christians, we must care far more about reaching people for Christ. Two things pastor Ryan challenged us to do. First, pray for God to bring someone into your life and rate yourself 1-10 on your care for lost people. (10 = highest concern) Who are you praying for, and how did you rate yourself?   

6. At North Valley, we ask our members to commit to relational evangelism. We ought to build friendships with unchurched people, develop relationships with them, and invite them to church. We encourage everyone to share their faith and pray for those opportunities. How are you doing in that area? How can you improve? 

7. Pastor Ryan also taught the significance of ELIJAH. He was the 9th-century prophet of Northern Israel; he served the God of Israel during the reigns of King Ahab and Ahaziah. He was most known for opposing Baal, the ancient Canaanite God, which we have called the God of prosperity in our last sermon series! On Mount Carmel, his most significant public miracle involved his encounter with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah (1 Kings 18:19–40). The contest was to determine the true God. After His great victory came to his greatest temptation, he was exhausted and sank into a depression and wanted to die. Read 1 Kings 19:4. Elijah's response teaches us three things about overcoming temptations and trials.  

• PHYSICAL NEEDS MATTER TO GOD. (1 Kings 19:5-8) 
• We need a word from the LORD. (1 Kings 19:9–12) 
• We need to invest in other people. (1 Kings 19:19) 

8. We also learned about the Golgotha and the Garden Tomb. Take a few minutes to review and discuss these references in the bible. What are the significant places and people mentioned? (John 19:17, John 19:41, John 19:38-39)  What did Pastor Ryan mean about No more secret disciples? Are you a secret disciple? What do you think God will want from our church?  

9. Take a few minutes to share how you can better get to know people at church, at work, and around the community.