Welcoming Aaron Baer, the President of Center for Christian Virtue (CCV). CCV seeks the good of their neighbors by advocating for public policy that reflects the truth of the Gospel.
Key Scripture
Small Group Discussion
Authority can be a difficult thing for us to deal with, especially when it’s an authority we aren’t fond of. The early church lived under the oppressive authority of the Roman government, the same government that persecuted Christians and approved of Jesus’ crucifixion. Read Daniel 2:21, 4:17; Romans 13:1.
- Who ultimately allows and appoints those in leadership and authority?
- How does this biblical view of authority challenge your current or past views on leadership and authority?
Read 1 Timothy 2:1–2.
- Notice there is no distinction on what kind of kings or “rulers” we’re to pray for. Whether you’re in agreement or disagreement with leadership, how does this challenge your personal prayer life?
- Discuss any other portions of this passage that stick out to you. {note}
Aaron read through Acts 12:1–16. Focusing on Acts 12:7, Aaron mentioned that all of us need a “kick in the pants” at times. Read Proverbs 17:17, 27:17.
- Do you have someone close to you who lovingly and biblically spurs you on in this way?
- How have they been a blessing in your Christian walk?
- What does it look like for you to be a blessing to someone else in the same way?
It’s a challenging truth that if God is truly in control, we need not despair.
- Define despair.
- Is anything currently causing you to lose hope or create a sense of despair?
Read Romans 8:6, 28, 37–39; John 16:33.
- Where does true peace come from?
- Have you ever been tempted to find your peace in someone or something other than God? What was the outcome of that situation?
- How can you develop a habit of turning to Jesus first?
Read 1 John 2:5–6. Discipleship is someone who learns from Jesus, lives like Jesus, and teaches others to learn from and live like Jesus.
- What are practical ways we can live out our faith this week?