Pentecost—The People God Blesses | LifeGroup Study Guide

Jun 5, 2022 | by Mike Prah

LIFEGROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE

PENTECOST: THE PEOPLE GOD BLESSES
ACTS 2
Week of June 5, 2022 | Mike Prah

Pentecost | The People God Blesses_LG_Print

SERMON OVERVIEW

In this study, we will discuss How To have Strong Faith That Really Works. Faith is not just something you SAY, not just something you FEEL, not just something you THINK, and more than just something you BELIEVE. The Apostle James teaches that a strong, real faith is also something you DO. Our faith and actions work together to make our faith complete.

A. OPEN YOUR SESSION WITH PRAYER

B. ICE BREAKER

Take time to share what's going on in your life, testimonies, or upcoming events. Recognize birthdays and anniversaries. And/or select Icebreaker questions to discuss.

C. BIBLE DISCUSSION: PICK THE POINTS YOU WANT TO DISCUSS

I. REVIEWING SERMON MESSAGE

(a). What fresh insight did you learn from the sermon? OR

(b). What Bible verse cited in the message stands out to you the most? Why?

II: PERSONALIZING SERMON MESSAGE

(a). What did you hear that encouraged or reassured you?

(b). How did the message increase your love for God or Jesus Christ?

III: ENCOURAGING APPLICATION OF THE SERMON

(a). If we diligently apply the message, what effect would it have on your personal lives and walk with Christ?

D: DIGGING DEEPER (TAKE TURNS READING THE SCRIPTURES AND THEN DISCUSS THE QUESTIONS)

1. IF WE WANT GOD'S BLESSING, WE MUST PRAY FOR GOD'S POWER

"They all met together and were constantly united in PRAYER with a single purpose in mind …" Acts 1:14 (NLT+CEV)

Pastor Mike explained that the early Church met together constantly, praying together for one purpose, and on the 10th day, God sent His Spirit. which empowered them to do great works. God has given us enormous responsibility. But He doesn't expect us to live life on our own power. God will provide us with His power when we pray. What does this teaching about constant prayer mean to you?

"Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles" Acts 2:43 (NIV)

According to Acts 2:43, what did the early believers witness?
Many signs and wonders happened because they prayed. What do you think will happen if we pray continually as the early believers did?
If we want God's blessing, we must pray. What commitment are you willing to make to pray for a breakthrough in your Church, family, and lives.

2. IF WE WANT GOD'S BLESSING, WE MUST BE DEVOTED TO GOD'S WORD

"All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching…" Acts 2:42a (NLT)

What did the early believers devote themselves to in Acts 2:42?
The Apostle's teaching is the Bible. The people God blesses are those who are devoted to reading and practicing the truths of the Bible. What does this teaching mean to you?
How can we devote ourselves to God's Word?

SUMMARY OF PETER'S SERMON - THE GOSPEL | Acts 2:22-40

- Jesus is God! His miracles prove it (Acts 2:22)

- Jesus died on the cross (Acts 2:23)

- God raised him back to life (Acts 2:24-32)

- This gives us gladness, joy & hope! (Acts 2:26)

- Jesus has sent his Spirit from heaven (Acts 2:33-35)

- We must repent & be baptized (Acts 2:36-38)

- We will be given his Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38b-39)

- We must live differently from the world (Acts 2:40)

The above summarizes Peter's first sermon to the new Church. This is the heart of the gospel message. After looking over this summary, briefly share how you will use this message to share the Gospel with someone.

3. IF WE WANT GOD'S BLESSING, WE MUST LOVE EACH OTHER DEEPLY

"They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together." Acts 2:42 (CEV)

According to Acts 2:42, in addition to the apostles' teaching, what did the early church family devote themselves to?
Why do you think those elements are important in providing loving support?

Jesus: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Pastor Mike mentioned that If you want God's blessing on your life, you must love other Christians and people. This is not a suggestion but a commandment. What does this mean to you?

"All the believers continued together in close fellowship. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity " Acts 2:44, 26 (GN+NLT)

According to Acts 2:44, 26, what else was characteristic of the early Church?
Why do you think sharing a meal together increases the loving support of each other?
How might this loving support of one member for another have helped the church family?
If we want God's blessing, we must provide loving support to people in our church family. What does this meaning mean to you?

4. IF WE WANT GOD'S BLESSING, WE MUST WORSHIP WITH INTENSE JOY

"They continued to WORSHIP TOGETHER in the TEMPLE COURTS… PRAISING God and ENJOYING the favor of all the people." Acts 2:46-47 (NIV+NLT)

According to Acts 2:46-47, the early Church experienced joy and satisfaction from their worship experience. What impact do you think the common experience of joy had on their personal lives and church growth?

"You have shown me the PATHS that lead to life, and your PRESENCE will fill me with joy!" Acts 2:28 (GN)

What two things in Acts 2:28 lead to life and joy? (Hint: Path - God's teachings and His Presence)
How does following God leads to more life and joy?

E. PRAYER TIME - PRAYER POINTS

Pray for each LifeGroup member to respond positively to this message and follow through in the application.
Ask for prayer requests and pray for the individual needs of your group.
Closing Prayer

THANKS FOR COMING! INVITE FRIENDS & COME BACK NEXT WEEK! PLEASE REACH OUT TO ANYONE WHO DID NOT MAKE IT TO YOUR MEETING. GOD BLESS YOU!