Mission Ready
Pastor David Jones
Sunday Morning’s Message – 30th August 2026
Theme:
God is awakening His people to pray with purpose, give generously, and go wherever He sends us so that all people can encounter Jesus
Leader Guide:
Please choose what best suits your group and fits the time well. You do not need to discuss every question. Create your own questions that fit your group. Choose two or three areas to discuss.
Have fun, Jesus people!
Connect group Discussion
A Christian Small Group Discussion from Acts 10
Acts 10 is one of the most significant and exciting chapters in the Bible. It tells the story of Cornelius, Peter, and the incredible moment when the gospel was opened to the Gentiles.
Quick Background – Cornelius
Cornelius was a Roman centurion who had been exposed to the Roman gods, including Jupiter, Augustus, Mars and Venus. Somewhere along the way, he became a follower of the Jewish God. He was a devout man who feared God.
The Jews used the term “God-fearer” for Gentiles who worshipped and respected the God of Israel.
Read together - Acts 10:1–7
Cornelius prayed regularly and gave generously to those in need. An angel appeared to him and said: Your prayers and generosity had captured the attention of heaven.
1. PRAY
Cornelius was hungry for God. He understood that God could be found, and he regularly sought Him.
Acts 10:2 – Cornelius “prayed to God regularly.”
Acts 10:4 – “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.”
Prayer changes things.
Prayer may look like a simple act in the natural, but something is happening in the spiritual realm when we pray.
Think about Daniel. He was deeply troubled about his people and what was going to happen to them. Daniel began to pray and fast.
Read together - Daniel 10:12–14
The angel told Daniel that from the very first day he humbled himself before God and prayed, his words had been heard. There was also a spiritual battle taking place.
We live in both a physical realm and a spiritual realm. Scripture reminds us:
Read together - Ephesians 6:12 – “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Yet we also have this incredible reminder:
Ephesians 2:6 – God “raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”
The enemy would love nothing more than to slow down the Church and hinder the expansion of God's Kingdom.
Choose one or two questions to discuss
What stands out to you about Cornelius’ prayer life?
Why do you think prayer is so important in the spiritual battle?
Is there a person, family, community or our nation that God is placing a burden on your heart to pray for?
What could it look like for us to become more intentional in prayer?
2. GIVE
Cornelius was also generous. He gave to those in need. He didn't have to do it, but generosity was part of his life—and God noticed.
Generosity is at the heart of God. We can be generous with our: Treasure, Time and Talents
Romans 8:32 says: “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all.”
God is a generous God, and His generosity should overflow through us.
Read and discuss - Luke 6:38
Jesus teaches that generosity produces generosity. When we freely give—whether our time, resources, forgiveness or kindness—God can cause blessing to overflow back into our lives. It’s not simply a promise that “give money and God will make you rich.” It is a call to live with an open, generous heart, reflecting the generosity of God.
Choose one or two questions to discuss:
What does generosity look like beyond simply giving money?
How has someone else's generosity impacted your life?
What are some practical ways we can be generous with our time, talents and resources?
Why do you think generosity can be an expression of our trust in God?
3. GO
God could have used an angel or a dream to preach the gospel directly to Cornelius. But instead, God chose a person to go.
Read together - Acts 10:11–16
Peter saw a large sheet being lowered from heaven containing different animals. God told him: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Peter was a good Jewish man. He had grown up understanding the distinction between what was clean and unclean. But God was dealing with something deeper than food. God was addressing Peter's attitude towards people. God was preparing Peter to see people differently.
God wasn't contradicting His Word. He was about to show Peter the power of the finish complete work of the cross to bring people together and make what was unclean and separated right.
Read together - Acts 10:20–23
Peter invited them into his house and lodged them. The word used here carries the idea of entertaining them as guests.
This was a significant moment for Peter. He was beginning to cross barriers that had previously separated Jews and Gentiles.
Peter eventually said, “Now I realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.”
Choose one or two questions to discuss:
Why do you think God chose Peter to go rather than simply sending an angel to Cornelius?
What was God changing in Peter's heart through the vision?
Are there people or groups we can sometimes see through our own assumptions rather than through God's eyes?
What might God be asking you to “go” and do?
THE RESULT – THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS POURED OUT
Peter eventually arrived at Cornelius' home. His family, friends and servants were waiting to hear the good news. Peter preached about Jesus and declared that God does not show favoritism. Then something incredible happened.
Acts 10:44 says: “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.”
The gospel crossed a major cultural and spiritual barrier. People were saved, filled with the Holy Spirit and brought into relationship with Jesus.
PRAY – GIVE – GO
Acts 10 reminds us that God wants to work through ordinary people who are willing to:
PRAY – Seek God and believe prayer makes a difference.
GIVE – Allow God's generosity to overflow through our lives.
GO – Be willing to cross barriers and take the good news of Jesus to others.
Final Discussion, choose one or two questions to discuss:
Which of the three—Pray, Give or Go—does God most want to develop in you right now?
Who is one person you could pray for, bless or reach out to this week?
What barrier might God be asking you to cross to reach someone with the love of Jesus?
What would it look like for our group to live “On Mission” through Pray, Give and Go?
Final Thought
As we pray, give and go, God awakens our hearts to see people differently, love generously and live with purpose.
Awaken Church
Awaken all people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
