Empowered by the Spirit: Continuing Jesus' Movement
Summary
Today’s focus is on the ongoing movement that Jesus began—a movement that didn’t end with the first disciples but continues through us today. We explored how the Book of Acts reveals the birth of the church, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the call for every believer to be an active participant in God’s mission. The early disciples were ordinary people with ordinary lives, yet God used them in extraordinary ways because they were willing to be filled and led by the Holy Spirit. Their story is meant to inspire us to see ourselves as part of the same movement, called to share, connect, serve, and disciple.
We often wrestle with feelings of inadequacy, busyness, or a lack of passion for God’s mission. Many of us have plans and obligations that seem to crowd out the call to deeper faithfulness. Yet, as we heard from members of our own church family, God doesn’t require special training or extraordinary skills—He simply asks for a willing heart. The Holy Spirit empowers us, fills in our gaps, and gives us the courage and ability to serve, share, and love beyond our natural capacity.
Acts 2 reminds us that the Holy Spirit is not just a historical event but a present reality for every believer. God’s presence dwells within us, making us His temple. This indwelling is not just for our comfort but for our transformation and mission. The Spirit guides, refines, and provides for us, enabling us to be part of God’s ongoing work in the world. The early church’s devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer set a pattern for us: to be deeply connected to God and one another, to be generous, and to be outward-focused in sharing the gospel.
The challenge is clear: we cannot be bystanders in this movement. The gospel is meant to cut us to the heart, to call us to repentance, and to move us into action. Whether you are new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, the invitation is to wake up, strengthen what remains, and join in God’s unfinished work. Let’s be a church that is truly alive—not just in reputation, but in reality—devoted to God, to each other, and to the mission of making disciples from every nation.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Movement Continues Through Ordinary People
The story of Acts shows that God’s mission is carried out by people who are often unlikely, untrained, and imperfect. What matters is not our qualifications but our willingness to be used by God. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do what we could never do on our own, turning our ordinary lives into vessels for extraordinary impact. [22:28]
- The Holy Spirit is God’s Presence and Power in Us
The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was not just a one-time event but the beginning of God’s indwelling presence in every believer. This means we are never alone or powerless; God Himself lives in us, guiding, refining, and equipping us for His purposes. Our challenge is to remember and rely on this reality daily, letting the Spirit shape our priorities and actions. [37:39]
- Devotion is More Than Attendance—It’s a Way of Life
The early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. True devotion means a burning desire to be faithful, to grow, and to connect deeply with God and others. It’s not about checking boxes but about a heart that is continually shaped by God’s Word and presence, leading to genuine community and sacrificial love. [54:38]
- The Gospel Cuts to the Heart and Calls for a Response
When the gospel is proclaimed, it penetrates deeply, exposing our need for repentance and transformation. Our role is not to convince or coerce but to faithfully share the message and trust the Spirit to do the work in people’s hearts. The question is whether we still allow God’s Word to move us, challenge us, and call us into action. [50:26]
- God’s Mission is for All—No Bystanders Allowed
Every believer is called to be an active participant in God’s movement, not a spectator. This means sharing the gospel, serving others, and discipling new believers. The church thrives when each member sees themselves as God’s temple, pursuing holiness and mission together, and refusing to settle for a reputation of life without the reality of it. [58:52]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[16:03] - Upcoming Events and Community Connections
[19:56] - Wrestling with God’s Call and Our Plans
[21:38] - The Challenge of Faithfulness in Everyday Life
[22:28] - Overcoming Inadequacy and Excuses
[24:45] - Testimonies: Serving Without Special Training
[28:01] - New Ministries and Acts of Service
[30:48] - Personal Hurdles in Serving Jesus
[32:51] - Setting the Scene: Acts 2 and Pentecost
[34:20] - The Holy Spirit Arrives
[36:41] - God’s Presence Through Fire
[37:39] - The Spirit’s Indwelling and Our Identity
[40:40] - The Miracle of Languages and the Gospel’s Reach
[43:31] - Responding to the Unfamiliar
[44:26] - The Call to Share the Gospel
[46:19] - The Power of the Gospel and Our Response
[54:38] - Devotion, Fellowship, and Community
[58:52] - Living as God’s Temple and Pursuing Holiness
[01:00:48] - A Call to Wake Up and Join the Movement
[01:01:57] - Invitation to Respond and Commit
[01:02:49] - Closing and Next Steps
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 2:1-47 (The coming of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon, and the early church’s life)
- Ephesians 2:19-22 (Believers as God’s temple, built together by the Spirit)
- Revelation 3:1-3 (A call to wake up and strengthen what remains)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 2, what visible and audible signs accompanied the coming of the Holy Spirit on the believers?
2. According to the sermon, what were some of the ordinary backgrounds of the first disciples, and how did God use them? [[22:28]]
3. What four things did the early church devote themselves to, as described in Acts 2:42?
4. In Ephesians 2:19-22, what does Paul say about the identity and purpose of believers?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon emphasized that the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people for God’s mission. Why might God choose to work through people who feel unqualified or inadequate? [[22:28]]
2. The early church’s devotion included teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. What does this kind of devotion look like in a modern church context? [[54:38]]
3. Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 “cut to the heart” of the listeners. What does it mean for the gospel to cut someone to the heart, and why is this response important? [[50:26]]
4. Revelation 3:1-3 warns about having a reputation for being alive but actually being dead. How can a church or a believer fall into this trap, and what does it mean to “wake up”? [[59:35]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentioned that many of us feel too busy or inadequate to join in God’s mission. What is one specific excuse or barrier you personally struggle with, and what would it look like to surrender that to God this week? [[21:38]]
2. The Holy Spirit is described as God’s presence and power within us. How can you remind yourself daily of this reality, and what difference might it make in your decisions or priorities? [[37:39]]
3. The early church was devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Which of these do you find most challenging to practice regularly, and what is one step you could take to grow in that area? [[54:38]]
4. The gospel is meant to “cut us to the heart” and move us to action. When was the last time God’s Word truly challenged or changed you? Is there an area where you need to respond in repentance or obedience right now? [[50:26]]
5. The sermon challenged us not to be bystanders but active participants in God’s movement. What is one way you can intentionally share, serve, or disciple someone this month? Who is one person God might be putting on your heart? [[58:52]]
6. The early believers were generous and outward-focused, even selling possessions to meet needs. Is there a practical way you can be more generous or outward-focused in your community this week? [[55:32]]
7. Revelation 3 calls us to “wake up” and strengthen what remains. Is there an area of your faith or church involvement that has grown stale or routine? What would it look like to “wake up” in that area? [[59:35]]
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Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit Empowers Ordinary People for God’s Mission
The Holy Spirit is not reserved for the spiritually elite or those with special training; rather, God’s Spirit fills every believer, equipping and empowering them to participate in His ongoing movement. Just as the disciples—ordinary people with everyday jobs and backgrounds—were transformed at Pentecost, so too are we given the same Spirit when we trust in Jesus. This presence is not a distant or occasional experience but a daily reality, enabling us to live with purpose, passion, and boldness. No matter your background or perceived limitations, the Holy Spirit is in you, guiding, refining, and providing all you need to serve and make an impact for Christ. [37:39]
Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel unqualified or hesitant to serve God, and how might you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in that area today?
Day 2: The Gospel Is for All People, Everywhere
God’s movement is not limited by culture, language, or background; at Pentecost, the Spirit enabled the disciples to speak in many languages so that everyone present could hear the good news in their own tongue. This miraculous moment was a sign that the gospel is meant for every nation and every person, breaking down barriers and inviting all into God’s family. Today, we are called to carry this same inclusive message, reaching out to those who are different from us and trusting that God will provide the means and the words to share His love. [40:40]
Acts 2:5-12 (ESV)
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”
Reflection: Who in your life comes from a different background or culture, and how can you intentionally reach out to them with the love and message of Jesus this week?
Day 3: The Power of the Gospel Cuts to the Heart
When the gospel is proclaimed, it is not our eloquence or ability that changes lives, but the living Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. As Peter preached, the people were “cut to the heart,” convicted by the truth about Jesus’ death and resurrection. This same power is at work today—when we share the story of Jesus, God’s Spirit does the work of conviction and transformation. Our role is simply to be faithful in sharing, trusting that God will move in the hearts of those who hear. [50:26]
Acts 2:36-38 (ESV)
Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Reflection: Is there someone you’ve been hesitant to share your faith with because you feel unprepared? What is one step you can take today to trust God with that conversation?
Day 4: Devotion to God and Community Fuels Spiritual Growth
The early believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to breaking bread, and to prayer—living out their faith in deep community and shared purpose. This devotion was not a casual commitment but a burning desire to be faithful to God and to one another, resulting in unity, generosity, and continual growth. True spiritual growth happens when we are connected to God’s Word and to each other, both inside and outside the church, sharing life, meeting needs, and encouraging one another in the journey. [55:32]
Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Reflection: Are you truly connected to a group of believers where you can grow, serve, and be encouraged? What is one practical way you can deepen your devotion to God and community this week?
Day 5: Responding to God’s Call—Wake Up and Join the Movement
It is easy to become complacent or distracted by our own plans and obligations, but God calls us to wake up, repent, and fully engage in His mission. We are not meant to be bystanders but active participants, using our gifts and opportunities to reach others for Christ. The Spirit’s presence in us is a call to action—to rise up, strengthen what remains, and hold fast to what we have received. Let us not miss the opportunity to be part of God’s movement in our generation. [59:35]
Revelation 3:1-3 (ESV)
“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.
Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you need to “wake up” and respond to God’s call? How will you take a concrete step to join His movement today?
Quotes
We have the promise that when we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, that God's Spirit comes in you, and it's there for you, and it lives inside of you. And then what does the Scripture say? Not only is the Spirit in you, but you are in Jesus. And who is Jesus? Jesus says, I'm in the Father. Man, you've got the perfect team on your side. When you come to be a believer in Christ and you say that you don't have passion and you don't have purpose, it's there. You're just not doing what you can to tap into it. [00:37:53] (31 seconds)
Paul said this to the Ephesians. He said, you are fellow citizens with saints and members of the household of God. You are built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophet, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone in whom the whole entire structure is being joined together. And it grows as a holy temple in the Lord. You are a part of that temple. You are a part of what God is trying to build and create and do. You are a part of the movement that exists. And in him, you are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. And we have a tendency to forget that so often, that God lives in you, me included. We get self -focused. We want to meet our needs. We want to make ourselves happy. We want to do the things that we want. And we forget who we represent and what should bring us joy and who we should really be spending our time with and who we should be focused on and where our passion, our purpose, and our energy comes from. [00:38:35] (68 seconds)
And we need to allow this story to be the beginning of our story and what we do here and what we are a part of. God dwells within the community of those who choose to follow Jesus. And that fire, that Holy Spirit, reveals itself in you. It's there to guide you. It is there to refine you. It is there to provide for you where you feel like you come up short in being able to do anything for him. What happens next? Let's go to verse 4. And all of them filled with the Holy Spirit began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now, there were staying in Jerusalem, God -fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. [00:39:58] (46 seconds)
He died on the cross for our sins. He rose again, and that gift is for each and every person. You memorize that. Share that. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but will have eternal life, and that's the message that you deliver. That's what you share. God will do the rest. It doesn't have to be super formal. You don't have to memorize everything. Just share the story. Share your story about how Jesus came into your heart and about how he changed you. [00:48:26] (37 seconds)
Man, it was just like, what? This is 50 days after Passover. Probably 49 days after he denied Jesus. Three times. And now he's standing up with the power of the Holy Spirit, and he's a changed man. He's different. He's delivering a different message. If God could do that with Peter, he can do anything he wants with us. We're not, some of us aren't even like him. We love God. We would never deny him, right? And we can be and do the same things. [00:49:23] (48 seconds)
Because you're not growing where you need to be growing, and you're not inspired, and you're not as devoted as what you could be. Everyone was filled with awe, verse 43 said, and many wonders and signs were performed. All the believers were together, and they had everything in common. Their hearts began gelling. They began growing together. This is what they also did. They sold their property and possessions to give to anyone that had need. They didn't do it just to share with the other believers in the room. They didn't say, oh, you have a need. I tell you what, I've got a little bit extra in my checking account. Let me come and help you. You're a Woodhaven member family. I love that. They gave to people that were outside of the family. Why? Because if they could give and they could serve and meet a need, they were bridging a gap. They would open up the opportunity to do what? To share the gospel. And they didn't have to worry about what was going to happen in the heart of that person because the Holy Spirit was going to do its own thing. And working in them. [00:56:07] (64 seconds)
Every day, verse 46 says, they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes. They ate together with glad and sincere hearts. It's praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their numbers daily. Isn't that cool? Wouldn't it be fun every day to lead someone to Christ? Audacious, audacious goal. But wouldn't it be fun? It would be so cool to come in here every week. And one of y 'all. You're bringing someone by the hand, and they're sitting with you in this room, and you're going, guess what? This is the person I want you to meet. This is David. This is Susan. This is the person that I shared Christ with this week, and they're now a new believer, and I'm discipling them. That's what we're supposed to do. It's not the exception, the rare thing that should be happening. [00:57:20] (57 seconds)
I think the big key started out at the very beginning of this chapter. The Holy Spirit came to rest on them, and they now saw themselves as God's temple. And when you see yourself as God's temple, you begin to pursue things differently. You begin to pursue holiness. You begin to pursue the call of God's spirit inside of you. And when the spirit stirs your heart, you respond to that, not with a pushback. But you begin to respond to it with a heart that's driven to want to do that. [00:58:51] (40 seconds)
God is saying, would you please rise up? Will you be a part of following me? Will you be a part of the movement? Will you be a part of growing? Will you be a part of sharing the gospel? And can we begin to reach people for Jesus Christ the way we should? I felt like where we started at the beginning of this chapter 2 with all these different people groups represented in one place, does it not feel familiar? I'm looking out across this group right now, and, man, this is such a mixed group of people. Not to the extent of Pentecost, but I look out and I think this could have been close to that. Man, we have such a variety in front of us in what God's doing. [01:00:31] (45 seconds)
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