The Risen Host (Part 4): Hosting & Hosted

TO START: Today we continue our series The Risen Host, celebrating the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. In this series, we explore what it means that Jesus is alive and that His Spirit is still at work resurrecting faith and joy in those who desire to host and encounter Him.

In this final message, we unpack the fruit of Paul and Silas hosting Jesus through prayer and worship in the midst of spiritual, relational, political, and physical hardship. Their story offers a glimpse into the multitude of possibilities that unfold when Jesus is honored and glorified.

TO READ: Acts 16:22-34

TO DISCUSS:

(1.) What’s a “plot twist” moment in your life that turned out surprisingly good?

(2.) After rereading Acts 16:25–31, what stands out to you most in this powerful moment, or what surprises you?

(3.) Why do you think Paul and Silas chose not to escape after being miraculously freed from prison?

(4.) What have you seen most often, and least often, when worshipping with the people of God: strengthened hearts, God’s power on display, freedom from bondage, someone realizing God is real, or healing and reconciliation between people?

(5.) The Risen Host series celebrated the good news of Easter: Jesus is alive and can be known through Scripture, we can minister to Him in our gatherings, and His living presence is still restoring faith and joy today. Which of these realities do you most want to explore personally or experience more deeply in our faith community?

TO PRAY:

In connection to 24/7 prayer week, our desire for the Lord to ride in through the Spirit on our praises and the broken hearts of those who long for His restoration, we invite your group to pray in alignment with one of the prayer prompts that you will find in the prayer room that is labeled, “Lost and Found”... Here’s the prompt [slightly edited]: 

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” - Luke 19:10

God sees our region and every heart within it. Jesus calls the lost to be found. First, ask God to reveal someone you know who is far from God. Say their name to God and pray for them to experience Jesus’ love and hear His voice.

Second, thank Him for those who have returned to Him in this season, and ask for a continued move of His Spirit to bring many more home.