Our First in-person alpha begins on Sunday May 15th, Alpha has been a catalyst for many people coming to understand the Gospel. We already have a few signed up, but it would be a great opportunity to invite anyone to do it who might be interested in exploring faith.

Alpha consists of watching a video, and sharing in a discussion.

DISCUSS: What are your biggest concerns around inviting someone to Alpha?

ACTIVITY:
1) Write down the 6 people mentioned in the video
2) Pray

Read Galatians 1:10-24

10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.

18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas[a] and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.

21 Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me

Discuss:

1. What things stand out to you from this passage?

2. What claims or ideas does Paul seem to be refuting in this passage?

3. What reasons does Paul give that the Gospel is authentic and authoritative?

4. Why is it impossible to be ‘trying to please people’ and be ‘a servant of Christ’ at the same time?

5. What do we learn about the power of the Gospel from Paul’s conversion experience?

6. How does Paul indicate that God was working in his life before his conversion? In what ways can you see how God worked in your life before your conversion?

7. Read v.10 and vv.23-24. What are the results of a gospel-changed life?

Share and pray:

1. What are some of the specific ways you have seen your life change through encountering God’s grace?