Weekly Devotions - May 19, 2024

Use this 5-day devotional from our study of Pentecost to jump start your Bible study this week!!


Day 1: The Birth of the Church at Pentecost
**Description:** Pentecost is a pivotal moment in Christian history, marking the birth of the church. On this day, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, enabling them to speak in various tongues and empowering them to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. This miraculous event signifies the creation of the church and its mission to spread the gospel. The disciples, once fearful and uncertain, were transformed into bold proclaimers of God's word, reaching people from different nations and cultures. This event underscores the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church and its mission.

**Bible Passage:** "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." (Acts 2:1-4, ESV)

**Reflection:** How can you allow the Holy Spirit to empower you to share the gospel in your daily life? What steps can you take to be more open to the Spirit's leading?




Day 2: The Early Church's Community
**Description:** The early church was a model of love, generosity, and support. They met daily, shared everything, and supported one another through trials and tribulations. This deep sense of community and family is what we should strive to emulate today. The early believers were deeply rooted in love and generosity, empowered by the Holy Spirit to testify about Jesus. They were an oasis in the desert, a place where people could find acceptance and love. This is the model we should strive to emulate today, creating a community that reflects the love of Christ.

**Bible Passage:** "And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts." (Acts 2:44-46, ESV)

**Reflection:** In what ways can you contribute to building a community of love and generosity within your church? How can you support and encourage others in your faith community?




Day 3: The Mission of the Church
**Description:** The mission of the church is to communicate the love of God to a lost and dying world. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to proclaim the gospel in various languages, reaching people from different nations. This demonstrates God's desire for His message to be heard by all and our responsibility to share the gospel. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 commands us to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe everything Jesus has commanded. This mission is not just for missionaries but for all believers to share the gospel in their daily lives.

**Bible Passage:** "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)

**Reflection:** How can you be a witness for Christ in your everyday interactions? What practical steps can you take to share the love of God with those around you?




Day 4: The Great Commission
**Description:** The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 commands us to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe everything Jesus has commanded. This is not just a call for missionaries but for all believers to share the gospel in their daily lives. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill this mission. The early church took this command seriously, and as a result, the gospel spread rapidly. Today, we are called to continue this mission, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with a world in need.

**Bible Passage:** "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.'" (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV)

**Reflection:** What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from sharing the gospel? What would it look like to step out in faith and share the good news with someone this week?




Day 5: The Goal of the Church
**Description:** The goal of the church is to establish a unique fellowship equipped for the mission of sharing the gospel. In Acts 2:37-41, Peter preaches to the crowd, and about 3,000 people are baptized and added to the church. This new community was devoted to one another, supported each other, and committed to spreading the gospel. This is the model we should strive to emulate today. The church is not just a place to gather but a community on a mission, united in purpose and empowered by the Holy Spirit to make a difference in the world.

**Bible Passage:** "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common." (Acts 2:42-44, ESV)

**Reflection:** How can you contribute to the mission of the church in your community? What specific actions can you take to support and encourage others in their faith journey?