Acts (The Church Unleashed): Ordinary People; Extraordinary Boldness
Peter and John weren’t trained, impressive, or elite—they were just ordinary guys who had been with Jesus, and that made all the difference. In this message from Mike Carmody, looking at Acts 4, we see that boldness doesn’t come from perfection, but from presence—spending time with Jesus. So the question is: where is your chair?
Discussion Questions:
- Peter and John were described as “ordinary men.” How does this challenge the way we typically view people in the Bible? Why do you think we often put them on a pedestal?
- Peter messed up. He denied even knowing Jesus, but Jesus still called him to lead. Is there a mistake or regret in your life that makes you feel unqualified? Is there something God might be inviting you to do or say, but fear or doubt is holding you back?
- Spending time with Jesus transformed Peter and John. Can you think of a time when your own time with Jesus, even if it felt small, shaped your attitude, words, or actions?
- Think about someone in your life who you consider ‘bold in faith.’ What do you notice about their habits or how they spend time with Jesus?
- The message emphasizes intentional daily time with Jesus. What are some realistic and personal ways you could build this into your day? Using Mike’s example, where could your chair be? A spot in your home, your car, or even a walk you take? What might keep you from going there? What distractions, fears, or misconceptions might be getting in the way?
- The idea that the Spirit is received, not earned can be hard to accept. Do you struggle to receive God’s love freely? What does “receiving” look like in your life right now?
- You were asked to look into the eyes of people who are also struggling. What would change in your relationships or community if you lived with more awareness that we’re all walking through something? How does vulnerability and community play a role in growing closer to Jesus?