THERE IS MORE – MARK SLEVIN
Scriptures:
Acts 1:8 NIV
Acts 2: 1-13 NIV
Hebrews 12:18-24 Message
1. A New Mountain
Not a physical location, but a spiritual inheritance.
There was the sound of wind, and sight of fire – outer power & inner wonder. Fire in the Old Testament represented Gods power and presence. Now, because of Pentecost, fire rests on every believer. Every believer is a burning bush.
Bethlehem was God with us, Calvary was God for us, Pentecost is God within us.
Pentecost was the filling of the spirit which reminds us of our sonship (Jesus baptism – “This is my son…”; Romans 5 – “…by the Spirit we cry ABBA Father.”)
Pentecost is not just an explanation, but an experience… not just an idea to be perceived, but a person to be received.
The result = an assurance & great joy. Fear and self-consciousness evaporate as you experience the Father’s love.
Your body is a temple of the Spirit of the living God. How should this change the way you think and live?
2. A New Ministry
Hebrews 12:18-24 – At Mt Sinai we received the ministry of the law, but at Pentecost we received the ministry of the proclamation of Grace:
They began to declare the WONDERS OF GOD – not the works of man. The message that turned the world upside down was the declaration of the WONDERS of God – the gospel of Grace.
What if Pentecost was not a pass to heaven, but the POWER to witness to the world?
Keep telling of the wonders of God.
3. A New Movement
The spirit lit the flame, and the church of Christ was born.
The church came to reverse the curse and help fallen people stand again. Acts 2 – “Peter stood …”
The kingdom of God is filled with people who missed the mark … but He hit the mark so that we could stand again.
Pentecost is about receiving … you can’t control, manipulate or manufacture the Holy Spirit. There is however an invitation to more… and it comes through letting go and receiving.
Take a moment to receive and experience His love.
Discussion Questions
1. A New Mountain: How does the idea of every believer being a “burning bush” change your perception of your own spiritual identity and responsibility?
2. A New Ministry: What does it mean to you that at Pentecost, believers received the ministry of the proclamation of Grace? How can we ontinue to declare the “wonders of God” in our daily lives?
3. A New Movement: How does recognizing the church as a movement born out of Pentecost influence your view of its mission and your role in it? The message emphasized that Pentecost is about receiving and letting go. What are some areas in your life where you might need to let go to receive more of the Holy Spirit’s work?
4. Experiencing Pentecost: Pentecost is described as not just an explanation but an experience. Have you had moments where you felt the assurance and joy of the Father’s love as described? How did those experiences affect you?
5. Considering that your body is a temple of the Spirit, how should this understanding influence your daily decisions and lifestyle?
6. The sermon suggests there is always more to receive from the Holy Spirit. How do you stay open to continually receiving more of what God has to offer?
7. What practices or habits can help foster a posture of openness and receptivity to the Holy Spirit in your life?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Pentecost and for Your presence within us. Help us to live as temples of Your Holy Spirit, boldly sharing Your wonders with the world. Fill us with Your fire – transform our lives and empower our witness. Guide us to let go of anything that hinders us from receiving more of You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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