God’s Word for us today is Acts 2:1-21.
“And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.” -Acts 2:2-4
Ever feel powerless? Imagine trying to communicate with a huge crowd, all of whom speak different languages! God came alongside the early Christians and gave them what they needed. Is God still coming alongside us today?
Here are the pictures we took of the congregation (after the kids and their teachers left - we also didn’t get any pix of the band, the nursery, or anyone in the Trinity Cafe, but you know who you are!)
The Power of God – Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21)
1.If you had an opportunity to share your good news last week, relate what happened.
2.The story of Pentecost is mind-boggling. We take for granted that it happened, but if we can imagine that scene and ourselves in it – it was the fire ignited to spread the gospel around the globe, something we’re still doing to this day, along with experiencing our Helper, “the power from on high,” in ways we don’t always notice.
One of the ways the Holy Spirit whispers to us is when we’re thinking about something we believe is our own thought, and then within a short period of time, that very issue comes up – in something we’re reading, in a conversation, in a sermon, or whatever. At those times we are startled by the “coincidence”, but in reality, it’s the Holy Spirit highlighting something He wants us to particularly note. This Sunday morning while sitting in church before the service started, I was feeling anxious about some things that happened during the week. I thought, “On some level I feel that if I don’t take care of this, neither will God – it’s up to me.” And then came our Prayer of Confession, which echoed my thoughts exactly, almost word for word. “O God, even Christians often face life as if we were alone. We believe that we stand or fall by our own efforts, and that causes us undue anxiety…” Here it was in black and white. Coincidence? I know it wasn’t, and I also know to pay attention to what just happened, and not let the enemy take any more ground as I take every thought captive and tell myself the truth.
Share a “coincidence” that alerted you (and reminded you) that the Holy Spirit is active in your life.
3.In John 14:16-17, Jesus says, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.” (Emphasis mine)
As we study about the whole armor of God, what does the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives add to our understanding of the nature of what we’re putting on?
4.In Luke 4:18, Jesus reads Isaiah 61:1-2 aloud in the synagogue, then says, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21). Review what he read to them, and note the role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ life.
5.As Christians, we are called to do the very same things outlined in Isaiah 61:1-2, and if we are faithful to deliver our “good news” with the assistance of our Helper, there’s even more accomplished – read through to Isaiah 61:3. Name some ways our Father accomplishes these things by the work of the Holy Spirit through us.
6.If you’ve thought that the Holy Spirit’s activity in your life is “maybe for others, but not for me,” see 2 Corinthians 1:21-22. A seal signifies a contract. How does this affect your confidence that the Holy Spirit is at work in you and for you?
7.Review:
Luke 11: 9-13
John 16:7-14
Galations 5:16-25
8.This week, be particularly aware of the Holy Spirit’s activity around you. If you ask God to make you aware, He most certainly will answer that request. “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31).