A standalone message on Pentecost Sunday from Acts 1-2.
Sermon Outline
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:1-4)
What Is Pentecost?
- God’s Promise Fulfilled (Joel 2:28; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 7-8; 2:4)
- The Gift of God’s Presence Signified in Wind and Fire (Exodus 19:16-19; Acts 2:2-3)
- An Echo of Jesus’ Commissioning (Luke 3:21-22; Acts 1:14; 2:1)
- A Picture of God Gathering in the Nations (Leviticus 23:15-16; Acts 2:1, 5-12)
What Does Pentecost Mean for Us Today?
- Presence of God
- Power of God
- Purpose of God
Waiting for the Holy Spirit
- Baptism
- Prayer
- Surrender
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When have you really felt that God was at work through you in the lives of others? What happened?
- This weekend at Eastbrook we celebrate Pentecost by looking at Acts 2:1-13. Take some time to pray, asking God to speak to you as you read His word.
- As we look at Acts 2, it is important to remember exactly what God was doing in the life of the early church. Read Luke 24:45-49 and Acts 1:4-9 again. What was it that the disciples were to do in light of Jesus’ words?
- As the disciples are waiting and in prayer, a loud sound and startling sights appear as they are filled with the Holy Spirit. What would you say is the significance of these sights and sounds? Why are these connected with the filling of the Holy Spirit?
- Because of the festival of Pentecost, many Jews and God-fearing Gentiles from around the Mediterranean have gathered in Jerusalem. Why do you think that the disciples are gifted with language along with the gift of the Holy Spirit? What does this signify and how does it begin to fulfill Jesus’ commission in Acts 1:7-8?
- Background: Pentecost is the Greek name for the Feast of Weeks, which occurs 50 days after the festival of Passover. The Feast of Weeks is described in Leviticus 23 in connection with the grain harvest and bringing the first fruits of the harvest to God as a thanksgiving offering. In later Jewish tradition, Pentecost is linked with the giving of the law to Moses and the people by God at Mount Sinai.
- Many biblical scholars also see a link between the Jewish festival of Pentecost as an offering of first fruits and the Holy Spirit’s empowerment for ministry. What do you think that connection might be?
- As the disciples move out from the upper room to speak to others, those gathered around them have a wide variety of responses. What are the responses? What sort of responses do you think we should expect when we step forward as witnesses of Jesus?
- What is one thing God is revealing to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Acts 2:1-4 or John 14:26
- Draw, ink, or paint the dramatic Pentecost day recorded in Acts 2:1-13. As you do that, let God speak to you about who the Holy Spirit is and what that means for you. When you finish, consider sharing your prayer reflections and/or artistry with a friend.
- Watch The Bible Project video “Pentecost: Acts 1-7”
- Read a book about the Holy Spirit, such as I Believe in the Holy Spirit by Michael Green or Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala