PENTECOST SUNDAY
PENTECOST SUNDAY
Pentecost marks the descent of Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus, empowering them to spread the message of the Gospel and establish the early Christian church. The story of the disciples in Acts 2 and 4 is a powerful example of how the presence of Holy Spirit can transform individuals and communities. Their selfless actions of selling their possessions to help those in need demonstrate the transforming love and generosity that can flow from a life filled with the Spirit.
As we celebrate Pentecost, it’s a reminder for us to reflect on all that God has done, to celebrate the birth of the church, and to seek ways to live out that same spirit of love, compassion, and generosity in our own lives. By allowing Holy Spirit to empower us, we too can make a positive impact on the world around us and make the lives of others better.
God reminds us on Pentecost that he engaged us in our brokenness and now we can engage people in theirs. Let’s honour God’s engagement in our story by responding to others with His love and by being known as the most generous people in the world.
REFLECTION
As we gather, share thoughts around the questions the disciples would have asked themselves and each other on the day of Pentecost.
- What are some significant times in your walk with God that you continue to remember and celebrate?
- What are some ways we can become more aware of God and all He is doing in our daily life?
- Do our own lives reflect the actions of the disciples in Acts 2 & 4 of being a generous people?
- Discuss the impact of the local church and how it has changed the world for the better. It’s incredible to know that we are each a part of Gods plan to make the world better!
SCRIPTURE
Acts 2:1-4 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.
FRESH FIRE, FRESH OIL, WILLING VESSELS & TRIMMED WICKS
Holy Spirit is described in scripture as the comforter, counsellor, Spirit of Wisdom, and Spirit of Truth and the third person of the Trinity, which includes God the Father and Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit is a person with intellect and emotions, rather than only a force or energy.
Just as gold is refined through the process of heating and melting to remove impurities, Holy Spirit works in the hearts of believers to refine, guide, convict, correct, and give wisdom. This process of refinement can sometimes be challenging and may feel like going through a “fire,” but it is ultimately aimed at purging impurities from our lives and shaping us into all that God has created us to be.
The analogy of refining gold can serve as a reminder that the challenges and struggles we face in life can ultimately lead to our growth and transformation, as long as we are open to the guidance and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It emphasises the importance of allowing ourselves to be moulded and refined by God, even when it may be uncomfortable or difficult.
When we are willing vessels it allows Holy Spirit to refine us. Here are some areas we can grow through the process:
Character: Holy Spirit works to mould our character, refining qualities like patience, humility, kindness, and self-control within us.
Faith: Holy Spirit helps us deepen our trust and belief in God, even in the face of trials and uncertainties.
Relationships: Holy Spirit refines how we relate to others, teaching us to love unconditionally, forgive freely, and show compassion.
Purpose: Holy Spirit guides us in discovering and walking in our God-given purpose, refining our desires, and aligning them with His will.
Thoughts and Actions: Holy Spirit convicts us of sinful thoughts and behaviours, leading us to repentance and transformation.
As we trim our wicks, here are ways we continue to grow in our faith through the refining of Holy Spirit:
Increased Dependence: Through the refining process, we learn to depend more on God and less on ourselves, deepening our faith and reliance on Him.
Spiritual Maturity: The challenges we face and overcome with the help of Holy Spirit lead to spiritual maturity and a deeper understanding of God’s ways.
Greater Compassion: As we experience God’s refining fire in our own lives, we become more compassionate and understanding towards others who are going through similar struggles.
Strength and Resilience: The refining process strengthens our faith, making us more resilient in the face of future trials and challenges.
Closer Relationship with God: Ultimately, the refining work of the Holy Spirit draws us closer to God, deepening our relationship with Him and transforming us into the likeness of Christ.
Through submitting to Holy Spirit and embracing the refining process, we can experience growth, transformation, and a closer walk with God.
DISCUSSION
Flaws and all, Holy Spirit wants to transform our life and make it better. If he can handle the chaos of the world before it was created, what couldn’t He do with our little bit of chaos if we submitted to him?! What are areas that Holy Spirt is refining us in and what are some areas we need to submit to Him?
Experiencing the refining fire of God can be very difficult, but it’s a necessary part of life.The results far outweigh the discomfort! Discuss the ways listed above and other areas that we grow in our faith through the refining of Holy Spirit.
Are we living empowered by Holy Spirit or do we find ourselves trying to change in our own strength? How can we tell the differnce?
Is our relationship with God leading us to make lives of others better? Pentecostals in its most basic form are people who have amazing encounters with God but never let it stay there. They’re always looking to bless somebody else. How does our life reflect our encounters with Holy Spirit?
Have you said yes to Gods invitation to be filled with Holy Spirit? Have time as a group to pray for each other.
APPLICATION
- Take time each day to reflect on the blessings in our lives and to express gratitude for all that God has done for us and all that He is going to do.
- Be ready for the opportunities that come your way to help make life better for others, even when it takes us out of our comfort zone.
- Commit to trusting in Holy Spirits wisdom and guidance, even when His plans may not align with our own.
- Trust the timing of Holy Spirit, trusting that His plans are perfect and that He is working all things for our good.
- Learn more about Pentecost and Holy Spirit through resources below.
GO DEEPER
Read
The Bible Project
https://bibleproject.com/articles/what-is-pentecost-and-why-is-it-important/
Holy Spirit by Charles H Spurgen
https://koorong.com/product/spurgeon-on-the-holy-spirit-charles-h-spurgeon_9780883686225
Watch
Pentecost Sunday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf25h0kdafA
Holy Spirit Power
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4bFFiPOMlM
Look up
Sunday message scripture references
Acts 2:1-4, Luke 24:45-49, Luke 3:16, Hebrews 12:29, 1 Cor 3:16, Acts 1:8, Acts 4