EXCEED

Acts 1:8 NIV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

What do you think it would be like to live every day by the power of God’s Holy Spirit?

That is the life you were meant for — this is the promise made by Jesus

Think about the amazing things that happened in the early church? When did those things begin to happen?

Should we expect to experience the same power they did?

Some do not think so — they think those kinds of miracles and powers were only for the early church. What do you think?

If that were true, how can they explain the amazing revival of the last 100 plus years? Or how can they explain the existence of the church today after 2 millennia?

In every corner of the world people, today, are experiencing the promise of the Father — and their lives show it. They are changing the world.

Do you want to change your world?

CONNECT

CONNECT

What is your motivation to coming here on Wednesday nights?

How do you feel about meeting new people?

DVD - segment 1

What is one thing that stood out to you as you listened?

Can you relate to the speaker when he explained that he used to view faith as a checklist?

GROW

Matthew 10:5–8 NIV

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

If you were one of the disciples being sent out that day, how do you think you would have felt?

How would the disciples accomplish what Jesus told them to do?

From our little place in history — what do you think Jesus is sending us out to do?

Luke 24:49 NIV

I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Acts 1:4–5 NIV

On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Why do you think Jesus insisted that they wait?

It is significant that Luke tells us about this twice (He was also the author of Acts)

What usually happens when we try to do something for God in our own strength

Acts 2:1–4 NIV

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Wow…they had to be so overwhelmed by the presence of God - You can be sure that, on that day of Pentecost, those waiting knew exactly what happened to them. Jesus told them it would happen.

With this passage in mind, what do you think it means to be empowered by the Spirit?

DVD - SEGMENT 2

How did the early believers get the boldness they needed?

From the lady on the video, what can we learn about how to be led by the Spirit?

How would this empowerment change your life?

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Luke 11:5–13 NIV

Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Read (from a few different translations)

What did Jesus say that the Father wants to give to us?

Why did the friend decide to respond to the request?

The words translated ask, seek, and knock are from the verb form that means, literally, keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking

How does the idea of keep asking, seeking, and knocking apply to our pursuit of the power of the Holy Spirit

Read

What has changed about Peter from the man who denied Jesus three times in ?

What about was Peter fulfilling in this passage?

The change in Peter clearly demonstrates how much we need that same kind of change in us

Peter quotes from in

The prophet Joel proclaimed that the Holy Spirit’s power would fall on whom?

Do you believe this promise includes us? Why or why not?

SERVE

What are some of your favorite ways to serve people?

Based upon what you know of your spiritual gifts and unique calling, what are some ways that you could serve others in our group?

GO

Write down the names that come to your mind.

Family (immediate or extende

Friends

Firm (work)

Fun (hobbies, etc.)

Familiar (neighborhood, kids’ activities, etc.)

Pray for each one this week — ask the Lord to open doors for you to share His love with them

Worship

Daily devotions over the next week

Study

What does it mean to bear fruit or not bear fruit?

What does it mean to “remain” in the branch?

Other things from the passage

Personal challenges from the passage