Day 23: Powered by the Holy Spirit

Jesus promised to build His church and then said He was going to leave. He promised that He would send the one to help the early church, the Holy Spirit! The early church expected the Holy Spirit to show up and when He did they were empowered and the community was amazed. It is incredible to read how many times the people were amazed and bewildered at what was taking place in the church. There was a sense of wonder at what God was accomplishing through the early church. The Holy Spirit empowered them to be the vehicles to spread the message of Jesus. He gave them the ability to spread the gospel, he filled them in a way that they demonstrated the spirit of Jesus and He dealt with them in a way that did not water down sin. We live in a time when people see the church as boring and not full of wonder….and many times it is because we don’t expect the Holy Spirit to show up. What if He showed up and really started revealing sin in our lives, what if He showed up and started to rearrange our lives to demonstrate the Spirit of Jesus to others and what if He showed up as we looked to point others to Jesus?
Read Acts 5

Q: What is the difference between a movement of God and a movement of men? (Acts 5:33-39).

Q: Why do you think God dealt so severely with Ananias and Sapphira? What does this tell us about God, sin and his heart for His church?

Q: What are areas of your life can be challenging to obey God rather than men?

Q: How can opposition and the way we handle it become a tool to point others to Jesus? Are there any areas in your life where opposition is opening an opportunity?

Q: Why do you think they rejoiced at being counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name of Jesus?

Q: What does it look like to be sensitive and aware to the leadings of the Holy Spirit in your life?