John 20:24-29

Acts 8:26-40 March 1, 2026Discussion1. Read Acts 8:25. Philip is in Samaria having a wonderfully successful evangelistic trip back to Jerusalem. Then in verse 26 an angel of the Lord sends him to the middle of nowhere. This is an example of the importance of public large group proclamation of the gospel AND individual telling of the good news about Jesus. Also, that God calls his people to serve him in out of the way places at times. How have you experienced serving in out of the way places? (Parenting? Caring for the elderly or informed? Other?)2. Note how quickly Philip “rose and went” in v. 27. Discuss times when you followed and obeyed the prompting of God and when you did not. (Great Chad Turner story here)3. Think of all the ways this Ethiopian Eunuch was different from Philip. Yet God sent Philip toward him. What might you deduce about how God cares about crossing into new territories and cultures?4. This is one of the fullest descriptions of God saving a person by faith alone. Talk humbly about how God saved you and how God has chosen to use you to tell someone the good news about Jesus. 5. Who are you praying for? That they would have the experience the Ethiopian had-- of his eyes being open and fully welcomed in to God’s presence and people.6. Would you agree together that you are going to each take some time this week to write out what you would consider to be “the good news about Jesus”…. Try to do it in a couple of sentences and then in a longer paragraph form. Have fun with it. Use it to worship and praise God!7. See verse 39? Look back at 8:8. How central does JOY seem to be in the new testament when the gospel is understood and experienced? There’s probably a place to praise and thank God for giving you joy…. And to say, “MORE, LORD, MORE JOY!”(If you’d like to receive this weekly sermon guide, email marcela@cfcpca.org)PAUL TRIPP created a unique way of “telling the good news about Jesus” as we see in Acts 8:35Dark and horrible momentlight of truthflame of peacecandle of puritysnuffed outtempter’s lieevil desiredisobedienceshalom shattereddeath invades lifehiding from Godhuman acrimonyGarden expulsionthorns and thistlestoil and sufferingdiseases physical and spiritualserpent’s lieserpent’s curseserpent’s doomseed of the womanredemption’s promisehumanity’s hopebruised heal crushed headin darkness lightin defeat hopefor sin a sacrificeTower of Babeldivine regretflood of judgmentcovenant promisesAbraham’s seednations blessedIssac’s inheritanceJacob’s ladderJoseph’s rescueEgyptian captivityMoses and Aaronplagues of warningangel of deathPassover LambdeliveranceRed Sea rescuecloud and pillarlaw from Sinaiwater from a rockmanna from heavenland of promiseprophets and kingsDavid and Solomonnation dividedidolatry and exileIsaiah and Danielremnant returnEzra and NehemiahElizabeth’s songMary’s miracleAbraham’s seedSon of DavidSon of ManSon of GodThe WordEmmanuelChrist Jesusrighteous lifedespised and rejectedtrial and torturecriminal’s crosssubstitutionary sacrificevictorious resurrectionroyal ascensionpriestly reignapostolic missiongift of the spiritgifts to the churchgospel proclaimedgospel spreadfinal victorykingdom comemultitude before the thronesin and suffering no moredeath deadevery tear driedbridegroom readybride adornedwedding feasteternal hallelujahspeace and righteousness foreverAmen and amen.For more information about Catalina Foothills Church, please visit us at https://cfcpca.org

Acts 8:1-4

Acts 1:8

February, 8th 2026“Christ Sends His Church”Matthew 28:16–20The Great Commission is rooted in Christ’s authority, expressed in making disciples, andempowered by Christ’s presence, not guilt or pressure.Sermon Points1. The grounding for the great commission: Christ’s authority (18)2. The emphasis of the great commission: making disciples (19-20)3. The promise that comforts and empowers us: Christ’s presence (20)Discussion Questions1. What illustration from the sermon stayed with you the most (NASA, fishing, KarateKid, etc.)? Why?2. Would you say our church is more “mission-focused” or “comfort-focused”? Why?3.What stood out to you most from Matthew 28:16–20?1. Christ’s Authority (v.18)4. Why does Jesus say “All authority” before sending the disciples?5. What difference does it make that Jesus rules over both spiritual and earthly realities?6. In what area of your life is it hardest to surrender to Jesus’ authority?7. How does knowing Jesus reigns give you courage instead of fear?2) Making Disciples (vv.19–20a)8. Why is “make disciples” the main command, not “go”?9. Which definition of a disciple best describes you?• Following Jesus• Being changed by Jesus• On mission with Jesus10. Who is discipling you right now? If no one, who could that be?11. Who are you helping follow Jesus (even informally)? 12. Are you mainly consuming teaching or also helping others grow? What step couldyou take this month?13. Do you personally live like someone who believes God still has a mission for youhere? Why or why not?3) Christ’s Presence (v.20b)14. Why is Jesus’ promise “I am with you always” essential to the mission?15. When do you most need this reminder?16. How does Christ’s presence help you when:• you fail• you feel exhausted• you feel spiritually dry• you feel afraid to share your faith?QuoteJesus said, “Go” to some very imperfect disciples. “Who is to go out of that first band ofdisciples? It is Peter, the rash and the headstrong. It is John, who sometimes wishes tocall fire from heaven to destroy men. It is Philip, with whom the Savior has been so long,and yet he has not known him. It is Thomas, who must put his finger into the print of thenails, or he will not believe him. Yet the Master says to them, ‘Go ye; all power is givenunto me, therefore go ye. You are as good for my purpose as anybody else would be.There is no power in you, I know, but then all power is in me, therefore go ye.’”(Spurgeon) For more information about Catalina Foothills Church, please visit us at https://cfcpca.org

Rob Pendley

Chad Turner

The Title will be: The Supernatural Christian Life
The texts will be Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:14-16
The points will be:
1. Acknowledge Your Sin and REPENT
2. Gaze Upon Jesus and BELIEVE
3. Depend Upon the Spirit and FIGHT
Reflection:
If we Waltz with Jesus 3 safeguards will be in place:
First, as we repent we will increasingly avoid the spiritual ditch of self-righteousness.
Second, as we believe we will increasingly avoid the spiritual ditch of self-despair on the one side and self-reliance on the other side.
Third, as we fight the good fight of faith, we will increasingly avoid the spiritual ditch of self-indulgence.
The Waltz is no mere mechanical, rational process, it is supernatural. It won’t FIX us but Jesus will CHANGE us as we Waltz.
Which Waltz Step do you tend to be most focused on? What are the consequences?
Which Waltz Step do you tend to be the weakest in? What are the consequences?
Which ditch do you tend to TRY to avoid the most? How does that impact your walk with Jesus?
How does the Waltz emphasize the reality of the Supernatural Christian life?