INTRODUCTION
Pastor Cory and Pastor Mac taught on the history and significance of Pentecost. Pentecost is a Christian holiday that takes place on the 50th (the seventh Sunday) after Easter Sunday. But long before that it was one the three major Jewish feasts, where Jews from across the world made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to celebrate the festival. In the Bible it’s also referred to as “The Feast of Weeks” or “Shavout.” We also learned that Pentecost follows Passover which has profound significance for Jews and believers alike. Without Passover there is no Pentecost! Where Passover = Freedom;
Pentecost = the Power to Live Free. In Acts 2 at the Feast of Pentecost, we see the Holy Spirit poured out on ALL believers as was prophesied in Joel chapter 2. Now every follower of Jesus has access to the same power that Jesus operated in and He wants to live His life through you and me!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.) Growing up and/or in your spiritual journey, what has been your understanding of the Holy Spirit? Is it different now? If so, how?

2.) How have you experienced the Holy Spirit in your life?

3.) The Holy Spirit has come primarily to REVEAL, CONVICT and REMIND us of who God is and His mission for each of us. Where or how have you seen this in your life?

4.) How can being in tune with the Holy Spirit help us “thrive in Babylon?”

MOVING FORWARD
When Jesus walked the earth before His death, burial and resurrection, there was one Spirit-filled person, Him! In John 16:7-15, Jesus explains to His disciples that it will be better for them if He goes away (I’m guessing that they didn’t think so!!), because when after His resurrection, the Father poured out the Holy Spirit on EVERY believer. You and I are now empowered and enabled by the Holy Spirit to finish the ministry of Jesus. That’s powerful stuff! In the Greek, the name Holy Spirit means “Paraclete” or “one who walk beside another.” His name also means Helper, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby. As followers of Jesus, we can be assured that the Holy Spirit is poised and positioned to help us, guide us, give us wisdom and all we have to do is ask! He’s standing by waiting to help us!

WORD!
Acts 1:8
“And you shall receive power (dunamis aka dynamite!) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem (local), and in all Judea (regional), and Samaria (national), and to the end of the earth (global).”