Acts (The Church Gets Messy): When Defending God Becomes Denying God

Robyn Elliott   -   June 22, 2025

The early church didn’t just face pressure from empire – it also faced betrayal from within. Stephen wasn’t killed by outsiders, but by the religious elite who thought they were protecting God. In this message from Robyn Elliott, we explore what happens when faith gets twisted by power – and how defending religion can actually become a denial of the very God we claim to follow.

Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways might we have used our faith more to protect ourselves than to serve or stand with others?
2. Where do we see examples today of religion being used to protect self-interest rather than others?
3. Are we more concerned with appearing faithful or actually following Jesus, even when it costs us something?
4. Has there been a time in your life when the culture around you has shaped your view of success, identity, or worth more than Jesus has?
5. When was the last time following Jesus felt disruptive in your life, and what did you do with that tension?
6. In what ways do modern empires (ideological, economic, political) still demand our allegiance today?
7. What are the implications of Jesus’ resurrection for how we live today?
8. What does it look like to follow the Holy Spirit when it’s unpredictable and potentially dangerous?
9. What might you lose if you truly follow the Spirit today – and is it worth it?