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Sermon Title: "When the Spirit Shows Up"

Text: Acts 1:1–11 and Acts 2:1–47

Preachers: Ben Hiller & Josiah Friesen

Date: April 27, 2025

Summary Tagline:

“We bear witness not by strength, but by the Spirit.”

Message Summary:

This was Youth Sunday! Ben and Josiah led us through the first two chapters of Acts, reminding us that God’s mission is impossible without God’s Spirit. Ben emphasized that we are called not to rush ahead, but to wait on the Holy Spirit before stepping into ministry. Without the Spirit, we work in our own strength—and we burn out.

Josiah then showed us what happens when the Spirit comes:

  • God’s presence falls not on a place, but on people.
  • The Spirit draws crowds and opens hearts.
  • The gospel is proclaimed.
  • People are cut to the heart, repent, and receive new life.

Together, they reminded us that the Spirit is still moving—and the mission Jesus gave is still unfolding through us.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Questions:

  1. Have you ever rushed ahead with something before you were ready? How did it turn out?
  2. Where have you seen God bring people into your “backyard”—into your life unexpectedly?
  3. What is something ordinary in your life that could become extraordinary if the Spirit filled it?

Read Acts 1:1–11 and Acts 2:1–47 together and discuss any questions that arise from the passage. Then use a few of these questions for further reflection.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it hard for us to “wait” on God instead of rushing ahead with our own plans?
  2. Ben talked about the difference between preaching and bearing witness. How can you “bear witness” to what Jesus has done in your life?
  3. Josiah described how the Spirit draws people to Himself. Where do you see the Spirit at work in your community?
  4. When the people were “cut to the heart,” they asked, “What should we do?” How can we stay sensitive and responsive to God’s voice?
  5. What would change in your daily life if you lived with greater awareness that you are now a temple of the Holy Spirit?

For Further Study:

  1. Acts 1:1–11 – Jesus commands the disciples to wait for the Spirit.
  2. Acts 2:1–47 – Pentecost: The Spirit comes and the church is born.
  3. John 14:16–17 – Jesus promises the Holy Spirit.
  4. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 – Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
  5. 2 Corinthians 3:17–18 – Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
  6. Galatians 5:22–25 – The fruit of the Spirit.
  7. Romans 8:9–11 – Life through the Spirit.
  8. Luke 24:49 – “Stay in the city until you have been clothed with power.”
  9. Matthew 28:18–20 – The Great Commission empowered by the Spirit.
  10. Joel 2:28–32 – God’s promise to pour out His Spirit on all people.

Gospel Connections:

Let’s discuss how we can apply this message to our lives as we seek to make the following connections as we follow Jesus:

  1. How does trusting the Spirit deepen your relationship with God?
  2. How can our church become a place where people encounter God’s Spirit through His people?
  3. How can our group encourage each other to wait, pray, and witness in the Spirit’s power?
  4. How can we be witnesses in our city, reflecting not our strength, but God’s.

 

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