Session Seven:
‘PREPARED IN WAITING’ AND ‘SET ABLAZE’
In this final session we will see the followers of Jesus searching the Scriptures while waiting in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, and then we are ready to be inspired afresh by the events that took place on the Day of Pentecost.
Discussion Guide
WATCH VIDEO - Part 1
‘PREPARED IN WAITING’
Watch the first part of the video where we think about how the disciples gathered around the Scriptures as they awaited the Holy Spirit.
Read Psalm 133
Discuss: How does that Psalm help you understand the work of the Holy Spirit?
Additional Questions
Imagine you are reading Psalm 133 in light of Pentecost. How many prophetic parallels can you see?
Can you think of any other passages the disciples may have found helpful from the Old Testament or from their recollections of Jesus’ words at the Last Supper?
(Some examples: Psalms 16:8-11; 110:1; Joel 2:28-32; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 11:19-20; 36:24-28)
WATCH VIDEO - Part 2
‘SET ABLAZE’
Watch the second part of the video where we look at the coming of the Holy Spirit and the events that took place on the day of Pentecost.
Read 1 Peter 1:13
Discuss: What did having a "living hope" mean to the early Christians? And what does it mean to you?
Additional questions
How do you think the forty days of Jesus appearing and the ten days of the disciples waiting served as a preparation for Pentecost?
In the book of Acts, the infant church faced a number of problems. What similar challenges do you think face the church today?
PRAYER & REFLECTION
End your time as a group, or individually, in a time of prayer.
If it is helpful, below is a written prayer you can use as a reflection on the two encounters that we have looked at in this session.
Lord,
Help us in our lives to rightly blend the contemplative and practical.
As we wait on You, let us draw from Your written word,
and let us be doers and not readers only.
Let us show a determination to translate words into actions,
longing to live out every lesson we learn.
We know Your grace is not limited to our preparedness,
so help us be open to the surprise of Your presence.
And Lord, we want to thank You for the outpouring of Your Spirit.
Thank You for the generosity of Your grace.
Thank You for the impartation of resurrection life.
Thank You for the ushering in of a New Covenant.
Thank You for replacing stony hearts with responsive hearts.
Thank You for filling our renewed hearts with Your love.
Thank You for filling our mouths with praise.
Thank You for accepting our adoration
Amen
THE BOOK BEHIND
THE VIDEO SERIES
Because I Live
Re-imagining the resurrection appearances of Jesus
‘A beautifully produced, full-colour book to treasure and share.’
‘A great addition alongside the video series’