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Sermon Discussion Guide - 11/23/2025
Published November 22, 2025
God Can Use That:
What if this is your moment?
Sermon Recap
In Acts 26, Paul shares his story before King Agrippa using a simple frame: Before Jesus, Then Jesus, With Jesus. He admits he was sincerely convinced and sincerely wrong, until Jesus cut through the noise and changed his direction. The sermon reminds us that we’re not just saved from something; we’re saved for something, and our story can be a platform God uses to point others to Jesus.
Ice Breakers
- When someone asks, “How was your day?” what’s your usual response? Short and simple or full of details?
- If you had to describe your week in just three words, what would they be?
- What’s your best “scar story” or funny injury story you’re willing to share?
Discussion Questions
1. When was a time you were totally convinced about something, and later found out you were wrong? What happened?
- Context: Paul admits in Acts 26 that before he met Jesus, he was fully convinced he was doing the right thing by opposing Christians. He was sincere, but sincerely wrong. His honesty about his “before Jesus” life helps people see how powerful God’s grace really is.
- Application: If you were to describe your “before Jesus” season (or your life before taking Jesus seriously), what would you say you were convinced of back then, and how has Jesus changed that?
2. Have you ever had a moment where life kind of “stopped” and you knew you couldn’t ignore what was happening?
- Context: On the road to Damascus, Jesus interrupts Paul’s life in a way he can’t brush off. It wasn't a big church event or emotional production, it was Jesus cutting through all the noise and speaking directly to him. The sermon talked about how much noise we live with and how Jesus still cuts through that.
- Application: What are some of the “noise” sources in your life right now, and what is one practical way you could turn down that noise this week so you can better hear from Jesus?
3. Have you ever had a moment where you realized, “This isn’t just about me anymore, I’m part of something bigger”?
- Context: Jesus doesn’t just save Paul from his sin; he sends him to people (Acts 26:16–18). The sermon reminded us that salvation isn’t the finish line of faith, it’s the launchpad. At Capital West, we say things like, “You were called to go,” and, “Your next step matters more than the last,” because following Jesus means being sent as a witness.
- Application: Where do you sense Jesus has “sent” you right now - home, work, friendships, school, a team - and what might it look like to see that place as part of your mission this week?
4. How do you usually tell your story, do you give the long version, the short version, or avoid sharing it at all?
- Context: In the sermon, we heard a framework: Before Jesus – Then Jesus – With Jesus, and three ways to share it: 3 sentences, 30 seconds, or 3 minutes. The point wasn’t to sound impressive or “super spiritual,” but to be clear, honest, and focused on Jesus.
- Application: If you had to share your “Before Jesus – Then Jesus – With Jesus” in 3 simple sentences, what would you say?
5. When someone disagrees with you about something important, what’s your default move: argue, shut down, or stay quiet?
- Context: When Festus calls Paul crazy in Acts 26, Paul doesn’t get defensive or pick a fight. He calmly stands by his experience and keeps pointing the room back to Jesus. In the sermon, we heard, “We’re not trying to win arguments; we’re trying to win people. It’s better to be kind than right.”
- Application: Think of someone in your life who doesn’t follow Jesus (or is skeptical). What’s one kind, non-argumentative way you could share a small part of your story with them, or simply love them well, this week?
Prayer
- Make sure to spend time in prayer as a group when you meet.
- Have group members share prayer requests, and pray for them.
- You could have one person pray for all the requests, or each member pray for one person.
- Keep a record of those requests and ask about them on a weekly basis.
Leader Tip
Your group doesn’t need a perfect storyteller; they need a safe place to be honest. As people share their “Before Jesus – Then Jesus – With Jesus” stories, model warmth and grace. Thank them for sharing, don’t rush to “fix” anything, and draw out the hope in what God has done. Remember, you’re a people shepherd, not a Bible encyclopedia. Your calm presence and kind questions may be the very platform God uses to grow their courage.