Sermon Response Guide
PRIMARY SCRIPTURE: Acts 2:1-39
Key Points
- Pentecost Sunday marks the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church, a supernatural occasion that took place in a prayer meeting.
- The church is united:
1) by the power of the Holy Spirit
2) in the presence of the Holy Spirit
3) for the purpose of the Holy Spirit
Memory Verse
Ask God to write this word on your heart this week:
“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;”
- Acts 2:17 ESV
Questions for Reflection
Take time to reflect and respond to these questions on your own in the presence of the Holy Spirit, or with trusted friends or family members:
1: Why do you think Christ desires unity in his church? In other words, why is unity so important to Jesus?
2: What do you think prevents unity in the church?
3: What do you think promotes unity in the church?
4: What kind of impact has unity (or disunity) in the church had on you?
5: At PCBC specifically, where do you sense the greatest opportunity for unity?
6: How can you contribute toward unity in the local church here at PCBC, and the larger church around the world?
7: Read about the unity of the church in Acts 2:42-47. What role do you believe the Holy Spirit plays in the unity of the church (keep in mind the power, presence, and purpose of the Holy Spirit)?
Pray
Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit who unites us to you and to one another in your name. Forgive us for the seeds of disunity we have sown in the local church here at PCBC and the larger church around the world. Help us to see and believe that by your Spirit, we are united as one body and one bride, in one baptism in one name above all names – the only name given to us under heaven by which we must be saved: Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit, stir us to continually seek you and step into this supernatural reality of unity in Christ Jesus.
references
For those interested in further study, our pastors want to share resources that have aided them in their sermon preparation (in conjunction with the Bible and the Holy Spirit):
· Acts of the Apostles (The Pillar New Testament Commentary) by David Peterson
· Acts (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) by Darrell Bock
