Responding to God's Call: The Power of Pentecost

Summary

Today’s focus is on the God who calls, as seen in Acts chapter 2, where the Holy Spirit descends at Pentecost and the early church is born. The setting is Jerusalem, filled with people from all over the world, gathered for the feast of Pentecost—a harvest festival that becomes a spiritual harvest as thousands come to faith. The miracle of Pentecost is not just in the dramatic signs, but in the clarity of the gospel message: people from every nation hear the good news in their own heart language, a work of the Holy Spirit that transcends human ability.

Peter’s sermon is direct and unvarnished. He reminds the crowd that Jesus, attested by miracles and wonders, was crucified according to God’s predetermined plan. This was not an accident or a backup plan—God knew from the beginning that redemption would come through Christ’s sacrifice. The resurrection is the proof: death could not hold Jesus, and the empty tomb is the evidence that God’s power is greater than sin and death. This truth is not just for the original hearers, but for all of us—our sins, too, put Christ on the cross, and our hope is in his victory.

The call is clear: repentance and faith, not mere cultural Christianity or outward rituals. Salvation is not about walking an aisle or filling out a card, but about turning from sin and submitting to Jesus as both Lord and Savior. Baptism is the first act of obedience, a public declaration of an inward change, but it is not the means of salvation. The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts, draws, and transforms.

The life of a disciple is marked by devotion to four things: the apostles’ teaching (the Word), fellowship (deep, invested relationships), the breaking of bread (sharing life and meals), and prayer (not as a side note, but as the main thing). These are not programs or checklists, but a way of life that requires intentionality and commitment. When we live this way—studying the Word, living life together, sharing meals, and praying with and for each other—we become a true family on mission, making disciples and expanding God’s kingdom. The challenge is to move beyond isolation and surface-level connection, to a deeper devotion to God and one another.

Key Takeaways

- The miracle of Pentecost is not just in the outward signs, but in the Spirit’s power to communicate the gospel so that every heart can understand. The Holy Spirit bridges every barrier, making the message of Jesus accessible to all, regardless of background or language. This reminds us that God’s call is personal and intimate, reaching us in the language of our hearts. [31:15]

- God’s plan for redemption was set before the foundation of the world. The cross was not a reaction to human failure, but the centerpiece of God’s glory and purpose. Even knowing the cost, God chose to create, redeem, and restore, not primarily for our sake, but for his own glory—yet in that, we find our deepest hope and security. [35:58]

- The resurrection is the unshakeable proof of Christ’s victory. Death could not hold Jesus, and because of that, we are empowered to live the life God calls us to. The empty tomb is not just a historical fact, but a present reality that makes obedience and discipleship possible, even when it feels hard or costly. [40:20]

- True salvation is marked by repentance and submission to Jesus as both Lord and Savior. Cultural Christianity—going through the motions without a changed heart—misses the point. Repentance is not just a one-time act, but a continual turning from sin and a life lived under Christ’s authority, evidenced by transformation and obedience. [45:15]

- The early church’s devotion to the Word, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer is the blueprint for spiritual growth and community. These practices are not optional add-ons, but essential to becoming a family on mission. Deep relationships, shared life, and persistent prayer are the context in which God’s Spirit works most powerfully, shaping us into the likeness of Christ and equipping us to reach the world. [53:39]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Setting the Scene: Pentecost and Promise
[03:10] - Jewish Feasts and the Significance of Pentecost
[05:30] - Peter’s Sermon: Jesus, Miracles, and God’s Plan
[10:00] - The Miracle of Tongues: Heart Language and the Holy Spirit
[15:00] - God’s Sovereignty and the Cross
[20:00] - The Resurrection: Proof and Power
[25:00] - Jesus as Lord and Messiah: Our Response
[30:00] - Repentance, Salvation, and Baptism
[35:00] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Conviction
[40:00] - The Four Devotions of the Early Church
[45:00] - Fellowship: Living Life Together
[50:00] - Breaking Bread and Building Trust
[55:00] - The Power of Prayer in Community
[01:00:00] - Becoming a Family on Mission
[01:05:00] - Responding to God’s Call and Next Steps
[01:07:18] - Closing Prayer and Announcements

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The God Who Calls (Acts 2 and the Early Church)

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### Bible Reading

- Acts 2:1–47 (The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter’s sermon, and the life of the early church)

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### Observation Questions

1. What was the setting in Jerusalem during Pentecost, and why were so many people from different nations gathered there?
[[25:40]]

2. According to Peter’s sermon, what was God’s plan for Jesus, and how did the people respond to hearing this message?
[[33:59]]

3. What four things did the early believers devote themselves to after coming to faith?
[[53:39]]

4. What was the miracle of Pentecost, and how did it affect the way people heard the gospel message?
[[31:15]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why is it significant that everyone heard the gospel in their own “heart language” at Pentecost? What does this reveal about God’s desire for people to know Him?
[[31:15]]

2. Peter says that Jesus was “delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge.” What does this teach us about God’s control over history and redemption?
[[33:59]]

3. The sermon emphasizes that repentance and submission to Jesus as Lord are necessary for salvation—not just outward rituals. Why do you think cultural Christianity can be so common, and what is missing from it?
[[45:15]]

4. The early church’s devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer is described as a “way of life.” How is this different from just attending church programs or events?
[[53:39]]

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### Application Questions

1. The Holy Spirit made the gospel clear to people from every background at Pentecost. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear the gospel in a way that connects with their “heart language”? What would it look like for you to share Jesus with them in a way they can truly understand?
[[31:15]]

2. Peter’s sermon was direct and honest about sin and the need for repentance. When was the last time you had a real conversation about faith with someone—even if it was uncomfortable? What holds you back from being honest about the gospel?
[[43:06]]

3. The sermon says that salvation is not about walking an aisle or filling out a card, but about turning from sin and submitting to Jesus. Have you ever relied on a religious ritual or tradition instead of a real relationship with Jesus? How can you tell the difference in your own life?
[[45:15]]

4. Baptism is described as the first act of obedience, not the means of salvation. If you have been baptized, what did that step mean to you? If you haven’t, what is holding you back from taking that step?
[[50:57]]

5. The early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Which of these four areas do you find most challenging to practice regularly? What is one step you can take this week to grow in that area?
[[53:39]]

6. The sermon challenges us to move beyond isolation and surface-level connection. Are there people in your church or small group you only know on a surface level? What could you do to build a deeper relationship with them?
[[55:27]]

7. The pastor shared that on mission trips, people grow closer because they do these four things together every day. What would it look like for your small group to intentionally live out these four devotions together—not just during meetings, but throughout the week?
[[01:05:58]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Pray together, asking God to help your group become a true family on mission—devoted to His Word, to each other, to sharing life, and to prayer. Ask for courage to respond to God’s call, both personally and as a group.

Devotional

Day 1: The Resurrection of Jesus: The Foundation of Our Faith
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a miraculous event in history; it is the very foundation of our hope and faith. Death could not hold Jesus—He was truly dead, sealed in the tomb, but it was not possible for Him to remain there. The empty tomb is the proof that the payment for our sins on the cross was accepted, and because He lives, we too can live with confidence and purpose. This truth gives us courage to face the challenges of discipleship, knowing that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us. [40:20]

Acts 2:22-24 (ESV)
"Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it."

Reflection: What area of your life feels “impossible” right now? How does the reality of Jesus’ resurrection give you hope and courage to trust God with that situation today?


Day 2: Repentance and Submission: Jesus as Both Lord and Savior
True salvation is not just about a one-time prayer or outward actions; it is about a heart that turns away from sin and submits to Jesus as both Lord and Savior. Repentance means turning from our old ways and pursuing God, living in submission to His will. It is not enough to claim Jesus as Savior without making Him Lord over every area of our lives. This call challenges us to examine whether our faith is cultural or truly transformative, marked by a life surrendered to Christ. [45:15]

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 an area of your life where you have resisted making Jesus Lord? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?


Day 3: Devotion to the Essentials: Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking Bread, and Prayer
The early church grew and thrived because they devoted themselves to four essential practices: the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. These were not just programs or rituals—they were intentional commitments to grow in faith, live life together, share meals, and pray with and for one another. This model calls us to move beyond surface-level connections and to invest deeply in God’s Word and in each other, building a community where lives are truly intertwined and supported. [53:39]

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: Which of these four practices—teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, or prayer—do you most need to devote yourself to this week? What is one step you can take today to grow in that area?


Day 4: The Power of Community: Living Life Together
We are not meant to walk the Christian life alone. True fellowship goes far beyond handshakes and small talk; it means being invested in each other’s lives, sharing joys and burdens, and building trust through shared experiences. When we live as a family on mission, loving and serving one another, we reflect the heart of Christ and become a powerful witness to the world. This kind of community requires intentionality, vulnerability, and a willingness to both give and receive support. [56:43]

Romans 12:10-13 (ESV)
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."

Reflection: Who in your church family or community could you reach out to this week to encourage, support, or simply spend time with? How can you take a step toward deeper fellowship today?


Day 5: Responding to God’s Call: Deeper Devotion and Mission
Devotion to Christ and His body does not happen by accident—it requires a conscious decision to respond to God’s call and to pursue a deeper walk with Him. Whether it’s through serving, giving, praying, or simply being present, God invites each of us to take the next step in our journey of faith. As we devote ourselves to Him and to one another, we become a family on mission, expanding God’s kingdom and experiencing the joy of true spiritual growth together. [01:05:58]

Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)
"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What is one specific way God is calling you to a deeper level of devotion or service? Will you take a step of obedience today in response to His call?

Quotes