Small Group Discussion May 19, 2024

Bible Reading

1. **Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)**
> "When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."

2. **Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)**
> "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"

3. **Acts 2:37-41 (ESV)**
> "Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.' And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, 'Save yourselves from this crooked generation.' So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls."

Observation Questions

1. What significant event took place on the day of Pentecost according to Acts 2:1-4?
2. How did the Holy Spirit manifest among the disciples in Acts 2:1-4?
3. What command does Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20?
4. In Acts 2:37-41, what was the response of the people after Peter's sermon, and what did Peter instruct them to do?

 Interpretation Questions

1. Why is the event of Pentecost considered the birth of the church?
2. How does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-4 relate to the mission given in Matthew 28:18-20?
3. What does the response of the people in Acts 2:37-41 reveal about the impact of the Holy Spirit's work?
4. How does the early church's community life, as described in Acts 2, serve as a model for the church today?

Application Questions

1. Reflecting on Acts 2:1-4, how can you be more open to the work of the Holy Spirit in your daily life?
2. Considering the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. What steps will you take this week to share your faith with them?
3. Acts 2:37-41 shows a powerful response to Peter's preaching. What steps can you take to be more bold in sharing your faith, even if it feels intimidating?
4. The early church was known for its deep sense of community and generosity. What is one specific way you can contribute to building a stronger sense of community in your church or small group this week?
5. How can you emulate the early church's practice of meeting together and supporting one another in your own life? What specific actions will you take to foster this kind of fellowship?