Empowered by the Spirit: Embracing Pentecost's Promise

Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the significance of Pentecost and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We began by celebrating the journeys of Mo and Sylvia, recognizing God’s providence in their new opportunities and sending them forth with our prayers and blessing. Their story is a living testimony to God’s guidance and the way He orchestrates our paths, often in ways we could not have planned ourselves.

As we approach Matariki, the Māori New Year, we are invited to pause for remembrance, gratitude, and hope for the future. This season is a reminder to look back with thankfulness, to celebrate the present, and to look forward with expectation. In a similar way, Pentecost marks a new beginning—the birth of the Church and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Just as the Israelites celebrated God’s faithfulness through their festivals, we too are called to remember and celebrate God’s ongoing work among us.

We explored the events of Pentecost as described in Acts 1 and 2. The disciples, once fearful and uncertain, waited together in obedience to Jesus’ command. The coming of the Holy Spirit was marked by wind, fire, and the miraculous ability to speak in other languages—signs that pointed not to spectacle, but to the deeper reality of God’s empowering presence. The Spirit’s arrival was not just for a select few, but for all believers, equipping them to boldly proclaim the good news and to live transformed lives.

The Holy Spirit is often unseen, like the wind, but His presence is unmistakable in the way He moves, speaks, and empowers. The transformation of Peter—from a man who denied Jesus to one who preached with boldness and clarity—demonstrates the Spirit’s power to change and equip us for God’s purposes. The same Spirit who moved at Pentecost is still at work today, available to every believer, enabling us to live out our calling with courage and love.

As we came to the Lord’s Table, we remembered that the gift of the Spirit is rooted in the new covenant established by Jesus’ sacrifice. We are invited not only to remember what Christ has done, but to receive afresh the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, who equips us to be witnesses of God’s love in the world.

Key Takeaways

- God’s guidance is often revealed in the unfolding of our journeys, sometimes in ways we only recognize in hindsight. Trusting in His providence means releasing our own plans and being attentive to the doors He opens, as seen in the lives of Mo and Sylvia. Their story reminds us that God’s hand is at work even in transitions and farewells. [26:35]

- Pentecost is not just a historical event, but an ongoing invitation to receive the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence. The Spirit is given to all believers, not just a select few, equipping each of us to live boldly and faithfully in our unique contexts. This democratization of God’s power challenges us to expect and seek His work in our own lives. [46:44]

- The signs of Pentecost—wind, fire, and new languages—point to the Spirit’s ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. The wind signifies life and movement, fire represents God’s purifying presence, and the new languages symbolize the breaking of barriers for the sake of the gospel. God’s Spirit is not limited by our expectations or abilities; He empowers us to do what we could never do on our own. [54:15]

- The transformation of the disciples, especially Peter, illustrates the Spirit’s power to redeem our failures and fears. Peter, once marked by denial and weakness, becomes a bold proclaimer of Christ because the Spirit gives him the right words and courage. Our past does not disqualify us; the Spirit specializes in using the unlikely and the broken for God’s glory. [01:00:19]

- The Holy Spirit’s presence is often invisible but always real, equipping us for both witness and daily living. We are called to be open to His movement, to listen for His voice, and to rely on His strength rather than our own. The Spirit’s work is not a one-time event but an ongoing reality, inviting us to continual renewal and deeper intimacy with God. [01:01:44]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[12:15] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[15:16] - Sending and Blessing Mo & Sylvia
[26:35] - Prayers for Mo & Sylvia’s New Journey
[38:00] - Matariki: A Time for Remembrance and Thanksgiving
[39:04] - Pentecost and the Jewish Festivals
[40:50] - The Meaning of Shavuot and the New Covenant
[42:23] - Jesus’ Promise of the Holy Spirit
[43:21] - The Disciples’ Waiting and Anticipation
[45:14] - The Ascension and the Promise of Christ’s Return
[46:44] - The Gathering at Pentecost: Who Was There?
[51:00] - The Unseen Presence of the Holy Spirit
[53:13] - The Signs of Wind, Fire, and Languages
[54:15] - The Spirit’s Empowerment and Transformation
[59:40] - Peter’s Boldness and the Spread of the Gospel
[01:01:44] - The Spirit’s Ongoing Presence for All Believers
[01:04:54] - Communion: Remembering the New Covenant
[01:09:38] - Closing Prayers and Sending Forth

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Pentecost and the Ongoing Work of the Holy Spirit

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### Bible Reading

- Acts 1:3-11 (Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit and the Ascension)
- Acts 2:1-13 (The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost)
- John 3:8 (The Spirit is like the wind—unseen but powerful)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Acts 1, what specific instructions did Jesus give to the disciples before He ascended to heaven? ([42:23])
2. According to Acts 2, what were the three signs that accompanied the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost? ([51:44])
3. Who was present in the upper room when the Holy Spirit came? Was it just the twelve disciples? ([46:44])
4. What immediate changes do we see in Peter and the other disciples after they received the Holy Spirit? ([59:40])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon compared the Holy Spirit to wind and fire. What do these symbols reveal about the nature and work of the Spirit? ([53:13])
2. The gift of new languages at Pentecost broke down barriers. What might this suggest about God’s heart for people from different backgrounds? ([55:09])
3. Peter, who had previously denied Jesus, became a bold preacher after receiving the Holy Spirit. What does this transformation tell us about how God uses our weaknesses? ([01:00:19])
4. The sermon mentioned that the Holy Spirit is given to all believers, not just a select few. How does this challenge or encourage your understanding of your own role in God’s mission? ([46:44])

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### Application Questions

1. The story of Mo and Sylvia was shared as an example of God’s providence in guiding our journeys. Can you think of a time when God’s guidance became clear to you only in hindsight? How did that experience shape your trust in Him? ([26:35])
2. Pentecost is described as an ongoing invitation to receive the Spirit’s empowering presence. What would it look like for you to actively seek and expect the Holy Spirit’s work in your daily life? ([01:02:26])
3. The signs of Pentecost—wind, fire, and new languages—point to God’s ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Where in your life do you feel “ordinary,” and how might you invite the Spirit to work in those areas? ([54:15])
4. Peter’s transformation shows that our past failures do not disqualify us from being used by God. Is there a past mistake or fear that still holds you back? How might you invite the Holy Spirit to bring healing and courage in that area? ([01:00:19])
5. The Holy Spirit’s presence is often invisible but always real. What are some practical ways you can become more attentive to the Spirit’s voice and movement in your life this week? ([01:01:44])
6. The sermon encouraged us to release our own plans and be attentive to the doors God opens. Is there an area of your life where you sense God might be inviting you to let go of control? What would it look like to trust Him more fully? ([26:35])
7. As we remember the new covenant through communion, how can you make space this week to “receive afresh” the presence and power of the Holy Spirit? ([01:06:33])

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Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit Empowers Ordinary Believers for Extraordinary Mission
The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost transformed a group of frightened, ordinary men and women into bold witnesses for Christ, equipping them to proclaim the gospel to people from every nation. The Spirit’s power was not reserved for a select few, but poured out on all who believed, enabling them to do things they never thought possible. This same Spirit is available to every believer today, empowering us to live out our faith and share God’s love in ways that go beyond our own abilities. [01:00:19]

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: Where do you feel inadequate or fearful in sharing your faith, and how might you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in that area today?


Day 2: The Presence of the Holy Spirit Is Unseen but Real
Just as the wind cannot be seen but its effects are felt, so too is the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives—sometimes quiet, sometimes powerful, always real. The Spirit moves in ways we may not always recognize, speaking to our hearts, guiding us through Scripture, and working through others. Even when we cannot see or fully understand, we can trust that God’s Spirit is with us, equipping and comforting us in every circumstance. [51:44]

John 3:8 (ESV)
"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Reflection: Can you recall a recent moment when you sensed God’s presence or guidance, even if you couldn’t see or explain it? How might you become more attentive to the Spirit’s movement in your daily life?


Day 3: God’s Power Transforms and Purifies Us
The Holy Spirit is not only a source of power but also of transformation—like fire that purifies and changes what it touches. God’s presence refines us, making us holy and equipping us to live in ways that reflect His character. Through the Spirit, we are changed from the inside out, becoming people who can bear God’s light and love to the world. [54:15]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God is refining or changing you? How can you cooperate with the Spirit’s transforming work this week?


Day 4: The Gift of the Holy Spirit Is for Everyone
Pentecost is a reminder that God’s Spirit is poured out on all people—young and old, men and women, people from every background and walk of life. The Holy Spirit is not limited by our status, education, or past mistakes; God’s empowering presence is available to every person who trusts in Jesus. This gift unites us as God’s people and sends us out to serve and witness in the world. [01:04:54]

Acts 2:17-18 (ESV)
“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.’”

Reflection: Who in your life or community might feel excluded or overlooked? How can you affirm the truth that God’s Spirit is for everyone, including them?


Day 5: Remembering Jesus and Living in the Power of the Spirit
As we remember Jesus’ sacrifice and the new covenant He established, we are invited not only to look back with gratitude but also to live forward in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit who raised Jesus and empowered the early church is still at work in us, equipping us to love, serve, and witness boldly. Each time we come to the Lord’s table, we are reminded that God’s Spirit dwells in us, making us His people and sending us out into the world. [01:06:33]

Luke 22:19-20 (ESV)
"And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'"

Reflection: As you remember Jesus’ sacrifice, what is one way you can rely on the Holy Spirit’s presence and power to live out your faith today?

Quotes

Because Matariki signifies and celebrates the M?ori New Year, the birth of a new year. And Pentecost, which we celebrate today, is similar. It's a time of celebration, as we celebrate the birth of the church. And perhaps it should also be a time to look to the future, to the promise of what a new year might bring for the church across the world, as well as for us here in this church. [00:39:25] (00:00:29 seconds) Edit Clip

Fire represents the presence of God. Do you remember how God appeared to Moses? As fire, the burning bush covered in flames showing God's holy presence. Fire also gives light. It warms, it refines, it purifies. And it can change material from one form to another. Just like in making steel. And God is the source of all light. He refines, He purifies, and He can change us. He can transform us from sinners to people without sin and worthy of being in His presence. [00:55:03] (00:00:39 seconds) Edit Clip

God gave these believers the ability to speak so that others could understand them. And this wasn't the gift of speaking in tongues which is a gift mainly used for praising God. It's often a personal gift for individual believers. The gift of speaking other languages that these believers were given, that they received at Pentecost, wasn't for them. It was for those who heard them speaking. For those who heard the good news that Jesus had come, that they could be saved and be in right relationship with God again. It was a gift to the whole world. [00:56:55] (00:00:38 seconds) Edit Clip

When the Holy Spirit descended on those believers at Pentecost, God equipped and empowered them to do what he wanted and what he needed them to do. He transformed scared, uneducated men and women into bold ambassadors for him. [01:01:08] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip

The key significance of Pentecost is not in the sound of the wind, the fire, or even the ability to speak in other languages. It's in what they represent. As we said, there's nothing behind the door and that's the whole point. Just because we can't see anything doesn't mean it's not there. The Holy Spirit. We can't see him with our eyes, but we can know he's here. We can feel when he's moving. We can hear when he speaks. Deep in our hearts, through scripture, through others, and even through us. And that's how we can know and receive the power of God. [01:01:44] (00:00:42 seconds) Edit Clip

The Holy Spirit is promised to each and every believer. We can receive the power of God to equip and empower everyone to be all that we can be. The power of God to equip and empower everyone, every believer, to do incredible things. Things that you never, ever thought were possible. [01:02:32] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip

Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit is still moving, still speaking, and still empowering people today. Pentecost is a reminder that God's gift to the Holy Spirit is available to us all, that God wants to give us His Spirit and that when He does, we can rely on the Spirit to be with us at all times and in every situation. [01:03:22] (00:00:25 seconds) Edit Clip

At its heart, the power of Pentecost is an experience of the closeness of God, of the closeness of God that each of us can know and experience. Pentecost reminds us that God is indeed with us, that He will always be with us, and that He will equip and empower and enable us to do all that He asks of us, to be all that He knows we can be, because He knows all that is possible through and by the power of His Holy Spirit. [01:03:51] (00:00:38 seconds) Edit Clip

Because Pentecost, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, isn't just about what God did back then, it's about what God is doing right now. It's about the gift of His presence. It's about God's Spirit poured out, not just on a select few, but on everyone, young and old, men and women, people from every place and walk of life. It's about God's Spirit with us and in us. [01:04:43] (00:00:29 seconds) Edit Clip