Jesus-Centered Difference Makers – STUDY GUIDE

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Icebreaker: Share a brief example of when a Jesus-centered difference maker impacted your life.

1-25-2026

Sermon Title: Authentic Church – ‘Jesus-Centered Difference Makers’ – Acts 3 & 4

Group Discussion:

Read Acts 3:1-10 – Jesus-centered compassion – How does compassion centered on Jesus differ from general acts of kindness or humanitarian work? Discuss how bringing the name of Jesus into our compassionate acts can expose others to the gospel message compared to when we simply act compassionately to meet needs. Share examples of how we might achieve this while serving people.

Read Acts 4:1-3 & Luke 17:6 – The opposition – When we are prompted to show compassion or share our faith, what internal oppositions (e.g., doubts, fears, or excuses) might impede our actions and words? Discuss how Jesus’ teaching about the mustard-seed-sized faith should challenge our internal struggles.

Read Acts 4:8-13 & Mark 13:8-11 – Jesus-centered boldness – What does Jesus-centered boldness look like in your everyday life? How about in moments when it might feel risky, misunderstood, or uncomfortable? Discuss how we can rely more on the Holy Spirit rather than our own initiatives when we share our faith and talk to people about what it means to follow Jesus.

Read John 14:6 & Acts 4:12 – Jesus and Salvation – Jesus declares Himself as the only way to the Father, and the apostles boldly affirm that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus the Christ. How should these exclusive claims shape both our personal faith in Jesus and the way we speak about Him to others with conviction, humility, and love? Share examples…

Spiritual Disciplines: Additional resources are available on the Church Center app:

Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources, like Jesus-Centered Gospel: 3-Part Study

Action Steps: Take time each day this week to focus on these three prayers: (1) Lord, show me the people, with whom I can share Jesus-centered compassion, (2) Lord, renew my strength, so I can overcome all opposition (i.e., internal & external), and (3) Lord, tell me what to say through the Holy Spirit so that I can share with a Jesus-centered confidence and boldness.