May 20, 2018

The Power of His Presence
May 20, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

We often are hesitant to speak out concerning a matter we feel may leave us open to stress, yet when someone else—smarter, stronger or more powerful—is behind us, we immediately have much more boldness. Can you think of an example?

Today we are focusing on the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. We open with the apostles gathered in a room in a house, praying, beseeching God to use them. The apostles, who had been ready to return to former trades after the crucifixion, were now gathered together, waiting for the promise from the resurrected Jesus that they should remain in Jerusalem until they had received the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Focal Passage: Acts 2:1-21.

 

 

Discussion:

Pentecost

  • Although to us, Pentecost has become synonymous with this occurrence in Acts 2, was it actually a term for this event, or a word with a simple meaning? How long had it been since Jesus had been resurrected?
  • Can someone tell, in their own words, what happened as the disciples were gathered in that room?
  • In the Old Testament, what were some references to fire, and what did they generally represent? What about the effect of wind?
  • Tongues: the apostles were miraculously able to speak in other languages, so that everyone clearly could hear the gospel in their native language. Why would God do such a miracle?

 

The supernatural power of the Holy Spirit in our lives

  • It was promised
    • Read Acts 1:8. Jesus, who cannot lie, told the disciples to wait for this anointing. What did He say would be the result of the Holy Spirit coming upon them?
    • Read Romans 5:5 and 1 Cor. 3:16. Is the Holy Spirit promised to us as well?
  • It was obvious
    • Read Acts 2:6-8, 12. Why do we tend to put a limit on the power of God?
    • The apostles had seen three years of miracles. How do you think they reacted when they realized they could communicate with foreigners?
  • It was significant
    • How likely is it that these 3,000 who were saved that day would ever forget the occasion? Why?
    • What are some significant things you’ve experienced, never forgotten, and how did they impact your life?
  •  It was life changing
    • Read verse 41. What did these saved persons do next?
    • What has been the most life-changing part of the gospel for you individually?

 

ASK YOURSELF: Why is today’s believer not willing to “seek and to save those who are lost”?

 

 

Close:

This passage is the true beginning of the church. Although these individuals in Acts were miraculously anointed with the Holy Spirit, able to begin a ministry of bringing lost souls into the kingdom of God, He was not limited to that time, and that place. In the following years the disciples saw the Gentiles of all nations become empowered with the Holy Spirit as well.

As we saw in the references in Romans and Corinthians, we, also, have been given the same Holy Spirit, with the same resurrection power, and the same ability to be used significantly in bringing others to Christ. What is holding us back? In Isaiah 6:8 the Lord asked, “Who will go for us?” and Isaiah responded, “Here am I! Send me!” Have you said that to Jesus? He is looking for a heart that is sold out to Him, willing to put Him first before everything else in one’s life. He’s looking for a heart that is not held down by being close to family, to a beautiful home, comfort, a steady paycheck, safety, or so much more. He is waiting for us to say to Him, “Here am I, Lord—send me.” Will we be that one? We have the Holy Spirit’s power. Are we using it?

Key Verse: Acts 2:21: “And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (NKJV)

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