Grow Guide | Aug 4, 2024
Series Theme: Together as One
Acts 2:12-21
Connecting Question
Which friend in your life might appear most “opposite” of you? How?
What might be one question Jesus would ask if he returned today?
Prayer for Illumination
Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the Scriptures are read and your Word is proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen.
Context
We are in a new series, Together As One, examining how the church first came together. How can Easter reflect this as we build community with each other, our community, and other Christians? When we trust in the Spirit and work TOGETHER anything is possible. Through Sept 1, we are reading through Acts, chapter 2. Explore the joy of community this summer at Easter!
From Pastor Sarah Henrich at EntertheBible.org:
After Matthias is chosen by God to take the place of Judas among the Twelve, the Holy Spirit comes upon the Jerusalem gathering on the day of Pentecost. The coming of the Spirit leads to new believers and an ideal way of living together in community.
Look at the Book
Open to Acts 2:12. Tell about a time in life when you were amazed. Why were the people amazed at this moment? What had just happened?
Google Luther’s Small Catechism. What is the key question Martin Luther taught us to ask about the teachings of Jesus? How can that question help us today?
When is a time in your life you have asked a version of the question, “what does this mean?”
Acts 2:13 captures a mood that we experience often in life—from other people. Why might some in the crowd respond this way?
Peter stands up to speak. What do you remember about Peter? Why is his biography important given that he is now a key leader in the early church movement?
Who is Peter speaking to in Acts 2:14? Notice, there are two groups. Who is left out?
Peter’s speech immediately goes to scripture, namely the prophet Joel. Google Joel. Who is he? What was his message?
In verses 17-18, Peter—quoting the prophet Joel—makes a list of people. What happens to them? Who is on the list?
Last week, it was asked, “what is a God-given gift you have?” As you think of family or friends, what is a gift they have?
Why might it be surprising that “slaves” are on this list?
Acts 2:21 is the central heartbeat of this passage. Who is excluded from God’s saving love and mercy?
What does it mean to you to “call on the name of the Lord?”
How has God called our name—first—before we can “call on the name of the Lord?”
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
Taking it Home
For what things should we “call on the name of the Lord?” Luther was famous to have once said, “Pray and let God worry.”
God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.