...Empowered by the Very Spirit of God

Acts 2:1-21 - Pentecost was primarily about two things: First, the creation of a trans-national, multi-ethnic kingdom people of God and, second, the creation of a supernaturally-empowered kingdom people of God. In part two of our look at this amazing passage in Acts 2, we consider what it means for us to live in these last days where Jesus has baptized all of His people in His Spirit and empowered them for greater intimacy with Christ, formation toward Christ, and service to Christ. It is by the Spirit's empowerment that we can live into Jesus's vision for life as the firstfruits of the new creation. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 7 of our series “One King and One Kingdom”]
Questions for discussion: 1) What was wholly unique and unrepeatable about the day of Pentecost described in Acts 2? What is now different as a result of the day of Pentecost? 2) We can understand this passage as the day Jesus baptized His people in the Holy Spirit. What are some things that happen when one is baptized in the Spirit? 3) Joel's prophecy tells of a day when God will pour out his Spirit on "all flesh" and then mentions several groups that will be empowered by the Spirit. What is the significance of the groups he mentions? 4) Cameron said we could conceive of the Spirit's empowerment in three overlapping categories: intimacy (the witness & leading of the Spirit), formation (the filling & fruit of the Spirit), and service (the gifts of the Spirit). Share some examples where you've seen the Spirit work in these ways, either in your own life or in the life of someone you know. 5) Joel used apocalyptic imagery in his prophecy to make the point that we now live in chaotic "last days" growing ever closer to the final "Day of the Lord" when Christ returns to establish his kingdom. What is our task in this time between the times?
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