WEEK 1
Discussion Time
General questions about the Book of Acts and the Holy Spirit?
How does understanding that Jesus operated through the anointing of the Holy Spirit rather than solely by His divine nature, maybe change your perspective on what is possible in your own life?
In what ways do you see Jesus still teaching and performing miracles through His Church today?
Why do you think Jesus commanded the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Spirit rather than immediately telling them to go out to evangelize, and what does this teach us about spiritual preparation today?
Many believers stop at speaking in tongues without experiencing the full biblical evidence of power, particularly boldness in witnessing. How do you evaluate whether you are truly filled with the Spirit according to Acts 1:8?
The Bible states that the gospel is fully proclaimed through both words and deeds, including signs and wonders. How does this challenge the modern Church's tendency to rely primarily on verbal communication?
If witnessing was never meant to be done in our own strength but through the power of the Holy Spirit, what practical steps can we as believers take to ensure we are operating in this empowerment rather than human effort?
What would it look like for us as a Bible Study to be so directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit that every decision and evangelistic effort we do flows from Jesus’ leading rather than human planning?
Takeaways From Week #1
The Gospel requires both words and deeds. Biblical evangelism isn't just talking about Jesus it's demonstrating His power through signs, wonders, and meeting people at their point of need. We cannot effectively share the gospel relying solely on our own strength; we need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus modeled Spirit-dependent ministry for us. Though He was the Son of God, Jesus chose to minister as the Son of Man, relying completely on the Holy Spirit's anointing. Before the Spirit came upon Him at His baptism, there were zero miracles. This means the same power that worked through Jesus is available to us today.
Being filled with the Spirit produces holy boldness. The ultimate evidence of Spirit-Baptism isn't just speaking in tongues it's power to witness fearlessly, to pray with authority, and to see people delivered and healed. If we're afraid to share Christ with others, we need more of God's empowering presence in our lives.
The Christian life was never designed to be a spectator sport. God has created each of us with a purpose, and He wants to empower us beyond our natural abilities. The question isn't whether this power is available. The question is, do you want it? Are you willing to wait for it, hunger for it, and let it transform how you live for Christ?
This Week's Challenge:
Pray for Empowerment: Set aside 30 minutes to seek God for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to empower you to be a bold witness daily!
Step Out in Boldness: Identify one person you have been afraid to share Christ with. Pray for them daily and ask God for an opportunity to witness this week to them.
Pray for Someone: When you encounter someone with a need physical, emotional, or spiritual offer to pray for them right then expecting God to move.
Evaluate Your Dependence: Write down areas where you have been relying on your own abilities rather than God's power. Confess this and ask for His empowerment.
WEEK 2
DISCUSSION TIME
The disciples had three years of experience with Jesus, yet He told them not to attempt ministry without the Holy Spirit's power. The baptism in the Holy Spirit provides "power” that enables believers to witness boldly, heal the sick, cast out demons and continue the same work that Jesus began. This power is not optional it is essential for supernatural living and effective ministry.
How does understanding the baptism of the Holy Spirit as “miraculous power” rather than just a religious experience change your expectations of what God wants to do through your life?
Jesus commanded the disciples not to begin ministry until they received the Holy Spirit's power. What does this tell us about attempting to live the Christian life or serve God in our own strength?
Why do you think many Christians are content with salvation alone and do not actively seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised to all believers?
If we as Christians try to live supernatural lives without supernatural empowerment. What are the symptoms or signs of this powerless Christianity you see in the modern Church?
How does the fear of talking to people about Jesus relate to the need for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and what does this reveal about the connection between power and evangelism?
What is the difference between the Holy Spirit living in you at salvation and being filled with or baptized in the Holy Spirit, and why is this distinction important for Christian living?
God offers the gift of the Holy Spirit, but we must 'take it' by faith. What might be holding you back from actively receiving what God is offering, and what does waiting on God to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit look like in practical terms?
If the Book of Acts never formally ended because Jesus is still working through His Church today, what would our local area of Indiana look like if we as believers operated in the same Holy Spirit power demonstrated in Acts?
Personal Reflection Week #2
Honest Assessment: On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the level of supernatural power operating in your life? What evidence or lack thereof leads you to that number?
Fear and Hesitation: Many Christians are "afraid" to witness to friends and family or pray for the sick. What fears or hesitations do you have about operating in the power of the Holy Spirit?
Waiting on God: Have you experienced a season of "waiting" for something from God? How did that waiting period shape you? What did you learn about God's timing?
Everyday Supernatural: What would change in your daily life if you truly operated in "mighty, miraculous power?” Think specifically about your workplace, family, neighborhood, etc.
Signs and Wonders: Bold witnessing, healing the sick, casting out demons, is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s power. Which of these seems most needed in your sphere of influence right now?
Next Steps: If you haven't been baptized in the Holy Spirit, what's holding you back from asking God for this gift? If you have been baptized in the Holy Spirit, how can you walk more fully in that power?
This Week's Challenges
Daily Prayer: Set aside time each day to specifically ask God to baptize you with the Holy Spirit's power.
Step Out In Faith: Identify one person you know who needs healing, encouragement, or to hear about Jesus. Pray for an opportunity and the boldness to act on it.
Study The Book Of Acts: Read one chapter per day from Acts, noting every instance of Holy Spirit power and how it manifested.
WEEK 3
Discussion Time
What does it mean to move from the ordinary to the extraordinary in your spiritual life, and what barriers might be preventing you from experiencing God's supernatural power?
The disciples waited for 10 days in Jerusalem despite having every reason to leave. What areas of your life require this kind of patient obedience as you wait for God's promises to be fulfilled?
The early Church experienced unity despite having diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and levels of spiritual maturity. What practical steps can you take to prioritize spiritual unity over personal preferences with other believers?
Only Jesus can truly change hearts and only God can bring true transformation. How does this challenge your approach to engaging with social issues and cultural change in the world?
If consistent prayer accumulates the weight of grace in our lives, what would it look like for you to contribute to this spiritual momentum rather than just benefit from it?
The disciples prayed until they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Are there promises of God you have given up on too quickly instead of persevering in prayer?
There is difference between religious culture and genuine spiritual revival, what is your role in bringing transformation?
This Week's Challenge
1. Commit to daily prayer asking God to fill you with the Holy Spirit daily.
2. Fast one meal a day this week and spend that time in prayer.
3. Pray about areas where you need God's supernatural power in your life.
4. Commit to praying for revival in our community daily.
5. Ask God to show you one person who needs prayer and reach out to them this week.
Reflection Exercise
On a scale of 1-10, rate yourself in these areas:
Obedience to God's clear directions: ____
Unity with other believers (despite differences): ____
Consistency in prayer: ____
Confidence in God's promises: ____
Which of these areas needs the most growth in your life? What's one specific step you can take this week to address this area and grow in your walk with Jesus this week?
