Week of May 17, 2026 - Discussion Guide

Try this Discussion Guide based on Sunday’s sermon with your family, small group, or walk through it individually.

Summary - This sermon focuses on the Ascension of Jesus from Acts 1:6-14, exploring what it means for Jesus to reign as Lord and for believers to be His witnesses. Deron explains that Jesus' ascension represents Him taking His rightful place as CEO in heaven's control room, not a distant location but rather God's dimension of reality. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus rules through self-giving love rather than force, and calls believers to be witnesses who share what they've seen and heard about God's work in their lives. The message concludes with a challenge to wait actively in prayer, following the example of the early disciples who devoted themselves to prayer while waiting for the Holy Spirit.

Intro Prayer - Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, ready to learn from Your Word today. As we gather together, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us through this time of study and fellowship. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit's leading and to encourage one another as we grow in our understanding of what it means to be witnesses for Jesus. Guide our discussion and help us to apply Your truth to our daily lives. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker -If you could witness any historical event in person, what would it be and why?

Key Verses

  • Acts 1:6-14

  • Daniel 7:9-14

  • Mark 10:42-45

  • John 8:12

  • Matthew 5:14-16

  • Ephesians 3:16-20

  • Psalm 27:14

Questions

  • What does it mean to you that Jesus is reigning as Lord right now, even when the world doesn't always look like He's in control?

  • Deron mentioned that Jesus rules through self-giving love rather than force. How does this challenge our expectations of how God should work in the world?

  • What's the difference between being a passive witness and an active witness for Jesus? Which one describes you better right now?

  • The early disciples had to wait for the Holy Spirit while devoting themselves to prayer. What are you currently waiting for God to do, and how are you waiting?

  • Jesus told His followers they would be witnesses 'in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.' Who are the people in your immediate circle (your Jerusalem) that need to hear about Jesus?

  • The sermon mentioned that being a witness can sometimes be dangerous or costly. What fears or concerns do you have about sharing your faith with others?

  • How can we better support each other as a small group in being bold witnesses for Jesus in our daily lives?

  • What evidence of God's work have you seen recently in your life or in the lives of others that you could share as a witness?

Life Application - This week, identify one person in your 'Jerusalem' (immediate circle of influence) who needs to hear about God's work in your life. Pray for an opportunity to share with them something you've witnessed God doing, and be ready to act when that opportunity comes. Also, spend time each day this week in prayer, actively waiting on the Lord like the early disciples did.

Key Takeaways

  • Jesus has ascended to reign as Lord, sitting at the right hand of the Father in heaven's control room

  • We are called to be witnesses who share what we've seen and heard about God's work in our lives Jesus rules through self-giving love rather than force, and His followers must do the same

  • Being a witness starts locally (Jerusalem) and expands outward to the ends of the earth

  • While we wait for God to act, we should devote ourselves to prayer like the early disciples did

Ending Prayer - Lord Jesus, thank You for ascending to Your rightful place as our reigning King. Help us to live as faithful witnesses in our daily lives, sharing the hope and love we've experienced through You. Give us courage to speak boldly about Your goodness and wisdom to know when and how to share. As we wait for Your return and for You to answer our prayers, help us to be devoted to prayer and to support one another in this calling. May our lives reflect Your kingdom values of love, service, and sacrifice. We trust in Your timing and Your ways, knowing that You are working all things together for good. In Your holy name we pray, Amen.