Welcome to this week's Group Study! This spring we're doing an 8-week block which began April 11 running through the week of May 30. The study series will spend three weeks in Luke & five weeks in Acts.
Start your time with a Check-in (about 15 minutes)
Opening question:
What has your experience been with the phrase "baptism of the Holy Spirit?"
inductive bible study (30-40 minutes)
Open your Bibles and begin with a prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to help you read God's word. Read the passage out loud once together and then silently once more on your own, noting your observations and questions. Then take a few minutes to share your observations and questions together.
Key Scripture: Acts 1:1-8
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Take some time to answer a key question you've raised as a group and think through how the issues you've explored apply to your lives.
Take a moment after your Bible study to watch this video:
DISCUSSION (about 20 minutes):
Imagine how the disciples felt when Jesus told them that in a few days they were going to be immersed with the Holy Spirit of God. How can we rediscover our awe and wonder over the fact that God has poured his Spirit out on his church? Are there any reactions in you that are hindering your relationship with the Holy Spirit? (Maybe fear, pride, insecurity, jealousy, or other reactions?)
What are some practical ways you can start relating to the Holy Spirit and open yourself to his filling on a daily basis?
In Galatians 5:22-55 it says:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
How might your life change as you open your life more and more to God's Spirit and keep in step with Him?
Close with a time of prayer.
Deeper Study:
