The Holy Spirit Comes. Again.

MAY 28  / Sunday – Read Acts 2:1-21 / John 20:19

Overview:This Sunday is Pentecost. Hope wins because that Pentecostal work of the Holy Spirit continues even now in those who follow Jesus.

29 / Mon – Again?  |  Read Acts 2:1-4 / 2 Chronicles 24:20 / Judges 6:34 and 15:14

We often think of Pentecost as the day the Holy Spirit came. That spectacular event is described in Acts. 2. But this wasn’t the first appearance of the Holy Spirit. Read about Zechariah, Gideon and Samson. And don’t forget about John the Baptizer (Lk 1:15b) or Mary (Lk 1:35). These are just a few examples of the Spirit of God at work before Pentecost. What are some of the reasons these people needed the extra power he gave them? Which person do you most relate to?

30 / Tue – On, with, and in  |  Read John 14:17 / Luke 24:48-49 / Acts 1:8 and 2:1-11

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit would fall ON specific people for a specific period of time to accomplish a specific task. Jesus told the disciples the Holy Spirit had been WITH them but after he went back to heaven, the Holy Spirit would come and live IN them. Pentecost was the fulfillment of that promise. What was different from previous times the Holy Spirit came and why? How was this connected to Jesus’ final instructions?

31 / Wed – In a nutshell  |  Read Acts 2:12-41

Peter’s sermon on Pentecost was the first public summary of the gospel. He explained what had happened was the fulfillment of Old Testament promises. He reminded them of what they had done to Jesus. He ended with the astounding news that God had raised Jesus from the dead as the Lord and Messiah. What effect did this sermon have on the listeners in v. 37? What did Peter tell them they needed to do? Why are these things important? How would you craft your own summary of the gospel? It is important to be ready to explain why you have hope when someone asks.

01 / Thu – What do you have? What do you know?  |  Read Acts 2:32 and 3:1-8, especially 6

You can only tell what you know.  You can only give what you possess. Jesus’ disciples had heard Jesus’ teaching and saw what he did. They believed in him wholeheartedly and were ready to act when they saw someone in need. Sometimes it is easy to see the obvious but miss a deeper need. Will you ask the Holy Spirit to help you know what the real issue is when you speak to someone in need? Be ready to do what Jesus would do if he were in your shoes. You can depend on him to give you the right words and actions. And like Peter and John, give credit where it belongs.

02 / Fri – Spiritual fruit  |  Read John 15:5 / Galatians 5:22-26

Jesus said we would bear much fruit if we stayed connected to him. Check out the spiritual fruit described in Galatians. None of these qualities are based on a person’s education, economic or political status, country, culture or time in history. Consider doing a personal assessment. Where have you seen growth? Where do you need help? For more clarity, list the opposites of each and see what insights you gain. Most of all, remember, staying close to Jesus makes growth possible.

03 / Sat – Together  |  Read Romans 12:3-8 / 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-28  / 1 Peter 4:10-11

Because we all have strengths and weaknesses, we need each other. On the day of Pentecost, the church was born. To help them be effective as the body of Christ, God has given each person gifts of the Spirit. These are not complete lists but they help you understand how different needs are met. Would you ask the Holy Spirit to show how he has equipped you to contribute to the kingdom of God? Ask others if they see those in you. Then use them to serve others!