Pentecost Sunday

Speaker: Paul Brown

Notes

Acts 2:1 & following - When the day of Pentecost came...

Pentecost was a festival in the Jewish tradition, also called "Feast of Weeks". It was a harvest festival and also connected to the giving of the ten commandments, 50 days after the exodus from Egypt. In the Christian calendar we remember it as the day the Holy Spirit was given and celebrate it 49 days after Easter. The symbolism and parallels are rich.

Who is the Holy Spirit? He is the third person of the Trinity and the Bible uses many images to describe him. Explore these: John 14:16, John 16:13, Acts 1:4-5

What happened on the day of Pentecost? Fire from heaven and the gift of tongues (Acts 2:1-4); the people were amazed (:12); Peter was filled with power and became a great public speaker (:14); 3000 people became Christians and were added to the church (:41). What a day!

What does the Holy Spirit give us? Explore these: Acts 1:8, John 16:13, 1 Cor 12:8-10, Gal 5:22

Application

Explore the symbolic significance of the giving of the Holy Spirit on the feast of Pentecost.

Explore and discuss who the Holy Spirit is and what he does for us, using the verses listed above and any others that you find relevant.

What do you want the Holy Spirit to do for you today? Pray for one another.

Posted: 23 May 2010