series art

Pentecost

THE HOLY SPIRIT:

GIVES ME POWER FOR A PURPOSE

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” ACTS 1:8 ESV

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” LUKE 24:49 NLT

ALLOWS US TO HEAR AND UNDERSTAND GOD THROUGH OTHERS

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. ACTS 2:1-6 ESV

Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.” GENESIS 11:7 ESV

11…we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” ACTS 2:11-12 ESV

IS AVAILABLE TO EVERY BELIEVER

13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh… ACTS 2:13-17 ESV

WANTS TO USE MY VOICE TO HELP SAVE SOMEONE’S SOUL

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ACTS 2:37-38 ESV

The Holy Spirit is here to:

The Spirit doesn’t make people impressive; He makes them talk.

My Notes

Discussion Questions

Choose a couple questions from each section to discuss and reflect on the sermon as a group:

  1. START HERE: When you’re facing something difficult or uncertain, what helps you find the courage to keep going?
  2. START HERE: Think of a time when someone’s words gave you courage to do something you wouldn’t have done on your own. What did they say or do that made a difference?
  3. KEEP GOING: Read Acts 1:8 ESV. Jesus says the Holy Spirit gives us power for a purpose. What is that power meant to accomplish? Where do you see a need for that purpose and power in your life?
  4. KEEP GOING: Read Acts 2:1-6 ESV. The Holy Spirit gave people the ability to speak so others could hear and understand the “mighty works of God.” When do you believe the Holy Spirit has used another person to help you hear or understand God more clearly?
  5. KEEP GOING: Read Acts 2:13-17 ESV. Peter says God will pour out His Spirit “on all flesh.” What obstacles keep you from experiencing the Holy Spirit in your life?
  6. KEEP GOING: Read Acts 2:37-38 ESV. The Holy Spirit empowered Peter to speak in a way that moved people toward Jesus. What do you need to believe or trust about God to be more open to allowing the Holy Spirit to use your voice, even if you feel nervous, unqualified, or unsure?
  7. LIVE IT OUT: Who is one person you sense God putting on your heart to pray for or talk with about faith in Jesus? What specific step can you take this week to let the Holy Spirit empower you to begin that conversation?