Micro-Church - Week 23
We talked at the end of the service about the fact that it was Pentecost Sunday. We made reference to the fact that the disciples were radically changed as a result of having been filled with the Holy Spirit. I would like to take an opportunity to re-affirm that at Hub City Church, I wholeheartedly believe in the operation of the gifts of the Spirit in the life of the believer. Having experienced being filled with the Holy Spirit, I can definitely bear witness of Acts 1:8 coming alive in my life in an instant. - Pastor Justin
As we referenced the disciples after their experience in upper room, they immediately began walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. Let's take a look at a few examples that we mentioned Sunday morning. Read these two excerpts from the early chapters of the books of Acts.
Acts 3:1–10 (ESV)
1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Acts 5:12–16 (ESV)
12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
Observe
What do you notice about the work of the Holy Spirit and the disciples in these passages?
What do you notice about the interaction between the people of the city and the disciples?
Application
What takeaways can we draw from the church/community relationship depicted in Acts? Do you think that same relationship is possible and applicable in the days we are living?
Are you noticing the work of the Spirit in your heart and life as you go through day-to-day activities? How?
The Bible teaches us that we are dependent on the Holy Spirit to see spiritual results in our life. It would make sense that if I want to see more of the activity of the Spirit in my life, I must become more dependent on the Holy Spirit. In keeping with the idea of Sunday's message that impactful prayers require some degree of faith and risk:
What are some ways that we can increase our dependency on the Spirit to see a greater level of God working around us and through us?
