2023
Pentecost
Passage: Acts 2:1-18
The word ‘Pentecost’ comes from the Greek meaning simply ‘fiftieth’. Pentecost Sunday
ends the season of Easter and symbolizes a new beginning. It celebrates the unleashing
of the Holy Spirit on the world and the empowering of the church to reach the world
with the gospel.
In remembering Pentecost and living in light of this powerful turning point the church
expresses gratitude to Christ for sending “another counselor” (John 14:16), celebrates
the work of the Spirit in the renewal of all creation, and professes its confidence and
security in knowing the Spirit’s power is available for its mission.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
How has your experience and understanding of the Holy Spirit been shaped?
Read Acts 2:1-18. What ideas or phrases surprise, encourage, or spark questions for you?
To have the Holy Spirit is a universal Christian experience. The Holy Spirit is every Christian’s initial experience of faith. What does this passage teach us about the Holy Spirit and our experience of the Spirit?
The Holy Spirit reminds us of our identity as children of God: God is for you, delights in you and you are his son/daughter. What regular practices/rhythms help you to remember this truth?
What does it look like in your life to receive power to be God’s witness? What challenges and joys of being God’s witness do you see in this passage? What joys and challenges to being God’s witness are you experiencing in this season?
PRAYER
Lord, grow my understanding of your grace until it rides me of fear, laziness, and pessimism that keeps me from opening my mouth and identifying as a Christian in public. Forgive me for being silent about all you’ve done for me.
Share with your group how they can be praying for you: what is weighing on you from this past week? What are you praising God for from this past week?
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13