Church on the Move: Week 2 —
Church on the Move: Week 2 — The Spirit Empowers His Church
- Read Acts 2:1–13 together as a group.
Discussion
Pray
Holy Spirit, thank You for dwelling within Your people and giving us everything we need to follow Jesus faithfully. Forgive us for the ways we rely upon our own strength. Fill us with Your presence, form us into the likeness of Jesus, and give us courage to bear witness to Him. Open our eyes to where You are already at work and help us faithfully follow where You lead. Use our lives, our House Church, and our whole church family for the spread of the Gospel and the glory of Jesus. Amen.
- What stands out to you from Acts 2:1–13 and the video?
- Jesus promised in Acts 1:8, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” How do we see that promise fulfilled in this passage?
- Luke describes the coming of the Spirit with the sound of wind and the appearance of fire. What do these images communicate about the presence and work of God?
- The fire rests on “each one of them,” and they were “all filled with the Holy Spirit.” Why is it significant that the Spirit is given to all of God’s people and not only to a few leaders?
- People from many nations hear the disciples declaring “the mighty works of God” in their own languages. What does this reveal about God’s heart for the nations and the purpose of the Spirit’s power?
- Where are you most tempted to rely on your own ability, strength, or wisdom rather than depending upon the Holy Spirit?
- What might it look like to depend intentionally upon the Holy Spirit as you follow Jesus and bear witness to Him this week?
- Give everyone an index card or piece of paper. Take a moment quietly and ask the Lord: “Holy Spirit, where am I trying to follow Jesus in my own strength?”
- Write down one situation where you need to depend more intentionally upon the Holy Spirit this week.
- Look again at the name you wrote down last week—or write down one person God has placed in your life. Ask: “Holy Spirit, how are You calling me to love and bear witness to Jesus with this person?”
- Spend a few quiet moments asking the Holy Spirit for the courage and power to faithfully take that step.
Pray
- Spend time praying together.
- Pray specifically: For the situations where you need to depend upon the Holy Spirit rather than your own strength. For the people God has placed around you. For courage and opportunities to bear witness to Jesus. For your House Church to become increasingly dependent upon the Spirit. For The Gathering Church to be a Spirit-filled people faithfully sharing the transforming love of God with our families, friends, and neighbors.
- For God to use this study through Acts to form us into a Church on the Move.
Holy Spirit, thank You for dwelling within Your people and giving us everything we need to follow Jesus faithfully. Forgive us for the ways we rely upon our own strength. Fill us with Your presence, form us into the likeness of Jesus, and give us courage to bear witness to Him. Open our eyes to where You are already at work and help us faithfully follow where You lead. Use our lives, our House Church, and our whole church family for the spread of the Gospel and the glory of Jesus. Amen.