Bible Studies

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The Scriptures
Acts 2:1-21 – The Winds of Change
Key Verses: (NRSV)

• 1: “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.” – As Jesus ascended into heaven He had instructed His disciples to return to Jerusalem and wait. Ten days had passed and the Jewish faithful from around the world had gathered in Jerusalem for the celebration of Pentecost or the Feast of Weeks. This celebration focused on the first fruits of harvest but also on the covenant with Moses.
  
  
• 2: “And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind.” – This wind was not a mild spring zephyr. Its source was from heaven and it entered their room with power and strength.
  
  
• 3: “Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.” – God’s presence had frequently been illustrated with fire: Moses and the burning bush; the pillar of fire and smoke that led the Israelites through the desert… Fire symbolizes God’s purifying presence.
  
  
• 4: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages.” – The Spirit enabled them to speak of the Gospel of Christ in ways that the world would understand. Evangelism is one gift of the Spirit.
  
  
• 14: “But Peter…raised his voice and addressed them, ‘Men of Judea…let this be known to you…” – Peter, the one who had feared for his life and had denounced Jesus, stood and preached to the gathering crowd.
  
  
• 17: “…I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh…” – Peter quoted from the prophet Joel outlining the prophecy that had come true through the arrival of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God was now released throughout the entire world so that everyone can receive His guiding Spirit.
  
  
• 21: “Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Salvation is available to all.
  

Points to Contemplate:

• How do you know if you are filled with the Spirit? In what ways do you see evidence of the Holy Spirit in your life? Does the power of God flow through you like a strong wind? Is your heart set aflame with desire and passion in order to help ignite the Spirit of God into the lives of others? Do you grow in understanding of God’s plan for your life? Are you inspired to fulfill the ministry He is calling you to accomplish? Are you empowered and equipped for evangelism? Are you able to use the power of the Holy Spirit in order to talk to others about Christ’s love?
  
  
• How should being spirit-filled affect what you do? Are you empowered to be a witness? (Acts 1:8) Do you focus your mind on things of the Spirit? (Romans 8:5-11) Does He help you to become a functional member of the Body of Christ? (1 Corinthians 12:12-26) Do you reflect the Spirit of the Lord as a mirror of His Glory? (2 Corinthians 3:17-4:12) Do you feel released from the burden of the Law? (Galatians 5:16-26)
  
  
• Have you called out the name of the Lord? Do you recognize that the Holy Spirit is available to “everyone who calls out the name of the Lord?” In what new ways does this inspire you? Does it provide you with new motivation to share the gospel with others? Does it provide you with new hope because God’s power is so readily available to everyone in the world? That when this power is unleashed amazing things can occur?
  
  
• Is your church an “Acts 2” type of church? Where do you see the power of the Holy Spirit manifested in your congregation? Is His presence evident in all aspects of your congregation’s activities and endeavors? What steps can be taken to keep the “flame” alive? Where has it become necessary to rekindle the power and passion of His Spirit into your life and into the life of your church?
  

Promises of the Gospel:

The miracle of Pentecost is not simply another story of old. The promise that God will enter our lives with His Spirit is available to all who believe. The experience of the Holy Spirit descending, empowering, and filling our hearts with His love and passion is attainable for each and every one of us. His Spirit fills us with understanding, empowers us to share, focuses our attention on the building of His kingdom, guides us into fruitful discipleship, frees us from our sins, and molds us into the image of God, Himself. Our churches, His church, should be filled with His Spirit. The church we read about in Acts, the church filled with His Spirit and achieving amazing things, is the church we should still have today…vibrant and alive in His Spirit. With His wind coursing through our communities of faith, lives will be changed and the world will be filled with hope and love.

FUMC Devotionals

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