CALL TO WORSHIP
Together, we gather to be present to the God who is already present to us.
However you are joining us, we encourage you to participate in the work of God today as He speaks and leads us. Wherever you are, God is already present and at work all around us. Let’s join Him!
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
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.Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
Acts 2:1-12 NIV
PRAYING TOGETHER
God whose Spirit created the world,
Your breath filled the void at the dawn of creation.
God whose Son is the center of our faith,
Your breath filled your children
At the dawn of the Church.
Breath of heaven, fill us again.
Fire of holiness, purify our hearts.
Spirit of God, reveal to us your power
That the world will see we belong to you,
Ever carried by the wind of your presence.
Spirit of beauty, Spirit of love, Spirit of hope,
Comforting Spirit, healing Spirit, patient Spirit,
Spirit of peace, Holy Spirit of God,
Descend upon our hearts and abide with us
Now and forevermore. Amen.
LIVE IT OUT TOGETHER
We seek to share a common way of life – a shared journey into the life of Jesus. We do so through 3 discipleship pathways: Communion, Community, and Co-Mission. Learn more at restorationlex.com/pathways!
Communion
Stanley Hauerwas writes: “Christians are people who dare to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, that is, live lives out of control, coming to God dependent, empty-handed, lives driven by and accountable to someone more interesting than ourselves.” Pentecost is a reminder that we are made for dependance on the power and presence of God. This week, surrender any expression of faith that depends on your power, and ask God for a renewed experience of His presence and power.
Community
Talk it over with your Home Church (or a group of friends) this week. 1. You are already in your “mission field.” Whether it be your neighborhood, job, school, or somewhere in between, what are the “people groups” God has placed you among? 2. Part of the wonder – and challenge – of Pentecost is the empowering work of God in every believer. Dream a bit. What might the Church (our Church!) look like if every person felt called, equipped and empowered for the ministry of Jesus right where they are?
Co-Mission
The first work of the Spirit at Pentecost was empowering the Church to enter into the language and cultures outside themselves. As you look at your own life and relationships, what “people group” do you feel empowered and shaped to serve and share the love of God with? This week, pray for opportunities to enter into the stories of others with the loving presence of God.
Next Steps For Growth
Holy Spirit by Stanley Hauerwas
Acts: A Theological Commentary by Willie James Jennings