The Compass

A Daily Personal Reflection & Small Group Discussion Guide

by John Hay, Jr.
Senior Pastor, West Morris Street Free Methodist Church

Series: Crossing Cultures
Week's focus: Immediate--and Enduring--Impacts of Pentecost
Scriptures: Acts 2:1-47
Week of: June 4, 2006

TRACKING THE WORD IN WORSHIP
What results of Pentecost continue to invite and compel us today?

1. Believers are OVERWHELMED by grace. Acts 2:1-4

How is God's truth, mercy and love taking hold of me, changing me, and challenging our shared life in Christ?

2. Babel is REVERSED. Acts 2:4-13

What barriers am I free to cross or remove because of Christ's comprehensive work for all people?

3. Holy BOLDNESS replaces hesitation and fear. Acts 2:14-41

What are my opportunities to bear truth, understanding, and reconciliation in the face of deception, confusion, and division?

4. MISSION is clarified. Acts 2:14-41

What effective connections can I make between Christ's completed work, this hoping/hurting generation, the Good News, and the future God desires?

5. COMPASSION reflects Christ. Acts 2:42-47

Am I following the heart of Christ in me to share what I have been given to reflect the relief, restoration, and liberation Christ desires for all?

GUIDED JOURNALING / DISCUSSION
Explore these questions in personal devotions or group discussion

1. Read Acts 2:1-4. What three manifestations occurred at Pentecost? What do you think each of these might have meant to the early believers? What might they represent to you? Discuss or journal your responses?

2. Read Acts 2:4-13. How many different groups of people or languages are mentioned in these verses? What do they all hear in their own language? Beyond the gift of tongues and interpretation, what is their in the Good News that communicates across language, ethnic, and racial barriers?

3. Read Acts 2:14-41. Think of Peter's address to the people not so much as a "well-reasoned and researched speech," but as a spur-of-the-moment response in which "it all comes together" for him and for the benefit of his hearers. What kind of connections to the Old Testament does he make? What connections between Jesus' actions and the present moment? Describe some of understandings and connections God has helped you to make?

4. Read Acts 2:42-47. Name four practices that defined the new church? How are these being continued among us today? Are you giving yourself to each of these? If not, begin to do so.

MARKINGS LEFT BY PREVIOUS TRAVELERS
Consider what other believers have explored about Pentecost

REPEATING PENTECOST? "While it would be wrong to expect a rushing mighty wind or tongues, as of fire, to be present today when the Holy Spirit is poured out, we can experience the true gift. We, just as they, can be all filled with the Holy Spirit. But we should do what the disciples did before and during their filling with the Holy Spirit. The disciples were filled in fulfillment of a promise. They were filled as they received in faith. They were filled in God's timing. They were filled as they were together in unity. And they were filled in unusual ways." - David Guzik

HOLY BOLDNESS "Yes, we need to study to show ourselves approved... But when we have reached the end of ourselves and our knowledge, the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say with great boldness. When we do our best, God will do the rest. He will help us make the name of Jesus known. He will give us responses to the tough questions. He will help us season our words with love. He will even take something we say and tweak it so it is exactly what the lost need to hear." - Jamie Morgan

RESPONSES & OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE
Want to explore The Compass with others? Have questions?

If you'd like to connect with others who are working weekly with The Compass, e-mail me or call the church office (317.632.8311)

If you have questions about Scriptures or some of the questions, or just want to share what your are discovering through The Compass, you are welcome to e-mail me.

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