Kernan Community Groups
Sermon Discussion Guide
July 6, 2025
FORWARD: Engaging with Non-Christians
Acts 8:26-40
What is one of the most impactful one-on-one conversations you’ve ever had? Maybe it was with a parent, teacher, mentor, or just a friend. How did it challenge you or change your perspective on something?
Acts 8:26-40
[26] Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. [27] And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship [28] and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. [29] And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” [30] So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” [31] And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. [32] Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:
“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he opens not his mouth.
[33] In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”
[34] And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” [35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. [36] And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” [38] And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. [39] And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. [40] But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
How do we engage with non-Christians?
1. The People We Engage With
God told Philip to walk 50 miles on a desert road so he could share the gospel with this Ethiopian man. This seemed random, but God was working out his plan to spread the gospel around the world. Where are the places God has already put people in your life who need to hear the good news?
Why is it sometimes hard to believe that God has you where you are for a reason, and that the reason is to share his good news with others?
There’s no such thing as chance encounters or coincidences. Does anyone have an example of a time when God orchestrated an interaction you’ve had with someone that opened a door for a spiritual conversation?
What are some social barriers that may keep us from getting to know non-Christians around us?
It’s easy to see the differences we have with non-Christians around us, but what are some of the similarities we share?
2. The Conversations We Have
What topics would you say make up most of the content of your conversations? (What do you usually talk about with people?)
Notice that Philip met the Ethiopian where his level of understanding was and went from there. He started with the question he had from Isaiah, and then connected that to Jesus. Last Sunday, Pastor Andrew said we should follow Philip’s example and help people “connect the dots” when it comes to talking about Jesus. What does that mean and what does that look like?
3. The Responses We May Get
Acts 17:32-34
[32] Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” [33] So Paul went out from their midst. [34] But some men joined him and believed,
What three responses did Paul get there in Athens?
What responses have you gotten when having spiritual conversations with non-Christians?
Why are we tempted to give up, become angry, or grow apathetic if people seem uninterested in Jesus?
Why is it encouraging to be reminded we cannot save anyone and that ultimately God is directing these conversations?
What’s your next step in talking with someone about Jesus? Would anyone like to share what their next step might be? (don’t use real names that may embarrass your friend/family member/coworker etc.)
Resources:
(scroll down to “Next Steps” — “Engage with Non-Christians”)
