Empowered by the Spirit: The Church's Mission Begins
Summary
In our gathering today, we explored the profound beginnings of the church as depicted in the Book of Acts, focusing on the pivotal moment of Pentecost. This event marks the birth of the church, where the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, empowering them to spread the message of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. This divine empowerment is not just a historical event but a continuous reality that calls us to be active participants in God's mission today. The Spirit's arrival was a fulfillment of Jesus' promise, transforming ordinary people into vessels of God's presence, tasked with carrying His love and message to all nations.
Reflecting on my own journey, I shared how the church has been a constant in my life, not out of obligation, but as a natural expression of living in community with others who follow Christ. This sense of community is vital, as it reminds us that we are not alone in our mission. We are the church together, united by the Spirit, despite the challenges and imperfections we face. The early church faced its own struggles, yet it thrived through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, a testament to the power of divine intervention in human affairs.
We also delved into the necessity of waiting on God, a theme that resonates deeply with the disciples' experience. Before they could embark on their mission, they were instructed to wait for the Holy Spirit. This waiting is not passive but an active engagement in prayer and preparation, aligning ourselves with God's timing and purpose. In our fast-paced world, this is a crucial reminder that spiritual growth and effective ministry often require patience and reliance on God's guidance.
Moreover, we acknowledged the cyclical nature of sin and redemption within the church. Just as the Israelites and early Christians struggled with disobedience, we too must confront our shortcomings. Repentance and forgiveness are essential practices that restore our relationship with God and each other, enabling us to move forward in unity and purpose.
Finally, we emphasized the importance of prayer, both individually and corporately, as a foundation for our spiritual journey. Through prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to cleanse and empower us, preparing us to fulfill our calling as the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Birth of the Church at Pentecost: Pentecost signifies the moment when the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples, marking the birth of the church. This event reminds us that God's presence dwells within us, enabling us to carry His message to the world. The Spirit's arrival was a fulfillment of Jesus' promise, transforming ordinary people into vessels of God's presence. [30:45]
2. The Importance of Community: The church is not just a building but a community of believers united by the Holy Spirit. We are called to support and uplift one another, recognizing that we are stronger together. This unity is essential for fulfilling our mission to spread the gospel. [22:51]
3. Waiting on God's Timing: Just as the disciples were instructed to wait for the Holy Spirit, we too must learn to wait on God's timing. This waiting is an active engagement in prayer and preparation, aligning ourselves with God's purpose. It teaches us patience and reliance on divine guidance. [29:32]
4. Confronting Sin and Embracing Repentance: The church, like the Israelites and early Christians, struggles with sin. Acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking forgiveness are vital for restoring our relationship with God and each other. Repentance is a continuous process that leads to spiritual growth and unity. [41:54]
5. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is the foundation of our spiritual journey, inviting the Holy Spirit to cleanse and empower us. Through prayer, we prepare ourselves to fulfill our calling as the hands and feet of Christ in the world. It is a vital practice for individual and corporate spiritual health. [45:47]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:52] - Introduction to Our Story
[20:28] - Childhood Memories of Church
[22:51] - We Are the Church Together
[23:43] - Starting Something New
[24:52] - The Greatest Movement
[28:02] - The Ascension and Waiting
[29:32] - The Call to Wait
[30:45] - The Day of Pentecost
[31:34] - The Holy Spirit's Arrival
[32:46] - The Breath of God
[34:12] - God's Plan for Humanity
[37:05] - The Intimacy of God
[38:03] - Human Imperfection
[41:54] - The Need for Repentance
[45:47] - The Power of Prayer
[53:44] - Assurance and Sending Forth
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 1:1-9, 12-14
- Acts 2:1-12
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to the disciples before His ascension, according to Acts 1:4-5? How did the disciples respond to these instructions? [28:02]
2. Describe the events that took place on the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2:1-4. What was the immediate effect on the disciples? [30:45]
3. How did the crowd react to the disciples speaking in different languages, and what question did they ask? [31:34]
4. In the sermon, what personal experiences did the pastor share about growing up in the church, and how did these experiences shape his understanding of community? [20:28]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the event of Pentecost considered the birth of the church, and how does it fulfill Jesus' promise to the disciples? [30:45]
2. How does the concept of waiting on God's timing, as discussed in the sermon, apply to the disciples' experience in Acts 1:4-5? What does this teach about patience and preparation? [29:32]
3. The sermon mentioned the cyclical nature of sin and redemption. How does this concept relate to the early church's struggles and our own experiences today? [39:00]
4. What role does prayer play in the life of the church, according to the sermon, and how does it prepare believers to fulfill their calling? [45:47]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for God's timing in your life. How did you engage in prayer and preparation during that period? What did you learn from the experience? [29:32]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of community in the church. How can you actively contribute to building a supportive and united church community? [22:51]
3. Consider the cyclical nature of sin and redemption mentioned in the sermon. What steps can you take to confront your own shortcomings and seek forgiveness in your relationships with God and others? [41:54]
4. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine to invite the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment in your life? [45:47]
5. The pastor shared personal stories about the church's role in his life. How has the church been a constant in your life, and how can you deepen your involvement in its mission? [20:28]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel called to be an active participant in God's mission. What practical steps can you take to fulfill this calling? [34:12]
7. The sermon highlighted the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. How can you remain open to the Spirit's leading in your daily decisions and interactions with others? [32:46]
Devotional
Day 1: The Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit
The birth of the church at Pentecost is a profound moment in Christian history, marking the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. This event was not merely a historical occurrence but a transformative experience that empowered ordinary individuals to become vessels of God's presence. The Holy Spirit's arrival fulfilled Jesus' promise, enabling the disciples to spread the message of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. This divine empowerment is a continuous reality, calling believers today to be active participants in God's mission. As the Spirit dwells within us, we are equipped to carry God's love and message to all nations, transcending our limitations and fears. [30:45]
Acts 2:2-4 (ESV): "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: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in a specific area of your life where you feel inadequate or fearful today?
Day 2: The Strength of Community in Christ
The church is not just a building but a vibrant community of believers united by the Holy Spirit. This sense of community is vital, as it reminds us that we are not alone in our mission. We are the church together, supporting and uplifting one another, recognizing that we are stronger together. Despite the challenges and imperfections we face, our unity is essential for fulfilling our mission to spread the gospel. The early church thrived through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, a testament to the power of divine intervention in human affairs. [22:51]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to this week to offer encouragement or support, and how will you do it?
Day 3: The Discipline of Waiting on God
Waiting on God's timing is a crucial aspect of spiritual growth and effective ministry. Just as the disciples were instructed to wait for the Holy Spirit, we too must learn to wait on God's timing. This waiting is not passive but an active engagement in prayer and preparation, aligning ourselves with God's purpose. In our fast-paced world, this discipline teaches us patience and reliance on divine guidance. By waiting on God, we open ourselves to His perfect timing and plan, trusting that He knows what is best for us. [29:32]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to practice waiting on God's timing, and how can you actively engage in prayer and preparation during this waiting period?
Day 4: The Journey of Repentance and Forgiveness
The cyclical nature of sin and redemption is a reality within the church. Just as the Israelites and early Christians struggled with disobedience, we too must confront our shortcomings. Acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness are vital practices that restore our relationship with God and each other. Repentance is a continuous process that leads to spiritual growth and unity. By embracing repentance, we allow God's grace to transform us, enabling us to move forward in unity and purpose. [41:54]
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Reflection: What is one sin or shortcoming you need to confront and seek forgiveness for today, and how can you take a step towards repentance and restoration?
Day 5: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is the foundation of our spiritual journey, inviting the Holy Spirit to cleanse and empower us. Through prayer, we prepare ourselves to fulfill our calling as the hands and feet of Christ in the world. It is a vital practice for individual and corporate spiritual health, enabling us to align with God's will and purpose. By dedicating time to prayer, we open our hearts to God's transformative work, allowing His Spirit to guide and strengthen us in our daily lives. [45:47]
Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Reflection: How can you incorporate a specific time for prayer into your daily routine this week, and what will you focus on during this time of prayer?
Quotes
1. "Tonight, we are going to continue in the Our Story, or God's Story, Our Story. And we've moved quite a bit this semester, even though we've had the break here and there. There's, we've still got a little ways to go. And tonight, we turned the page." ([00:19:02] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "In the life of the church, it is not easy to be the church Jesus calls us to be. Just keep that in mind." ([00:23:15] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "The greatest movement the world has ever known started with the most absurd command. There is wash in the flesh. wait how do you start anything anything by doing well nothing." ([00:25:39] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "They were given an instruction to wait, and as much, as hard as that is to hear, they did so. They went back to the room, together they were there praying and waiting. This scripture says Jesus had been with them 40 days post-resurrection, and now he has ascended." ([00:29:32] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "Jesus said, wait. And then in the right time, the Spirit, the breath of God, we've heard that before, right? From the beginning, the breath of God is poured out upon the people in the sound of a rushing wind, in the signs of these flaming tongues of fire. Falls upon the people." ([00:32:49] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "God's Centerpiece Plan for Humanity The dream of the eternal family was beginning to be unveiled. Through the coming of the Spirit, humankind would be completely inhabited and immersed with God's breath." ([00:34:50] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "As the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, we are spirit moved to go and share that good news." ([00:35:59] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "We have to acknowledge as we are, as we are as a church, with the Spirit leading and guiding us every single day, we have to acknowledge that we will make mistakes. We hurt one another. And we have to own that." ([00:41:12] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "Before any movement could begin, Jesus told them to wait. Before we can begin every day, we need to wait. Hallie, you were right. We need to have a foundation of prayer." ([00:45:22] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "Imagine, my friends, my brothers and sisters, God wants to make God's home inside ordinary people like us, all of us. And friends, thanks to the power of the Holy Spirit, God's home is within us together." ([00:54:05] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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