1 of 3

In John 16, the disciples are confused and filled with grief because Jesus says he must leave them. He explains why his departure is essential: "It is best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the [Holy Spirit] won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you" (v. 7). Then in our Key Study Passage, we see Jesus' words fulfilled in a most dramatic and powerful way.

Key Study Passage:

Acts 2

1. Read through today's passage slowly, underlining words or phrases that stick out to you.
2. What impresses you the most about this passage? What do you learn about the apostles? The Holy Spirit? The early church?
3. What questions do you have about this passage? Look for answers in the notes and commentary articles in a study Bible. Still confused? Take your questions to your small group, pastor, or Sunday school teacher.
4. How do we know that all true believers today have the Spirit living in them? (See 1 Cor. 6:19; Eph. 1:13.)
5. What do you think is the difference between having the Spirit live in you and being filled or controlled by the Spirit? (See Gal. 5:16-24; Eph. 5:15-20.)

Spend Time in Prayer: Thank God for sending his Spirit to dwell in you; confess any attitudes or behaviors that "stifle the Holy Spirit" (1 Thess. 5:19); express your desire to walk each day empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2

The Holy Spirit Comes

2 On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

7 They were completely amazed. "How can this be?" they exclaimed. "These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! 9 Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!" 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. "What can this mean?" they asked each other.

next page... |  1 of 3

share this page

Prayer for the Week

Heavenly Father, fill me and empower me with your Spirit so I may demonstrate spiritual fruit (Gal. 5:22-23) at home, at work, and wherever your Spirit leads me.

				Try an Issue of Men of Integrity Free! Name Street Address City/State/Zip Email Address No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for Canadian Orders. If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless. Give Men of Integrity as a gift Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!

FREE Newsletter Sign up for the Men of Integrity Newsletter (All fields required)    RSS Feed   RSS Help