The Promise of Power

Main Thought

Jesus promised us power through the presence of God’s Holy Spirit. It’s encouraging to know that we have access to power that comes from God’s presence! But this power is for a purpose. We are to be witnesses for God, both through our words and our actions. God’s power can operate through us to have a profound impact on the world around us. This power comes with a price though. Sacrifice releases God’s power. We can sacrifice things like our time to spend it with God; food, in order to fast and pray; even sin, in order to be nearer to God. The greater the sacrifice, the greater the power that is released.

Main Passages

4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

- Acts 1:4-5

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

- Acts 1:8-9

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

- Ephesians 4:30-32

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. What do you think it means to walk with the Holy Spirit?

3. What’s one thing you can give up in order to experience more of God’s Spirit in your life?

The Proven Power of the Cross

Main Thought:

The cross is perhaps the most prominent symbol of Christianity. It’s image is iconic to us today. It was just as iconic in ancient times. When a cross was visible, death was inevitable and unfortunately, it was too well known. Jesus was far from the only person who would perish on a cross. As a matter of fact, thousands upon thousands of others perished in the same way. The process of crucifixion would be perfected by the Romans and was considered to be one of the most brutal and shameful ways to die. So if it was so common, what made Jesus death on the cross different from the thousands of others who died the same way? The answer is found in Jesus purpose. His death was part of a divine plan to save humanity. When Jesus died on the cross, supernatural power needed to be released. The bible says that the earth shook, rocks split, tombs broke open and the curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom! That’s some serious power! But it didn’t stop there. The power of the cross continued when Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. His resurrected life is proof that this power is unceasing. Jesus death and resurrection comes with a purpose. That we would experience his life changing power, that our changed lives would reveal God’s message, and His power would manifest among others.

Main Texts:

5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. - Matthew 28:5-8

9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.

12 Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. 13 These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. - Mark 16:9

18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18

Discussion Questions:

1. What stands out to you the most from the main thought or the main texts?

2. Have you experienced the power of Jesus? Briefly share one specific area of your life that His power has brought a significant change.

3. Our changed lives are meant to be proof of God’s continuous power. Do you think others recognize God’s work in your life? In what ways can you reveal more of God to others?

Triumphal Entry

Main thought

A red carpet is traditionally used to mark the route taken by VIP’s like heads of state, celebrities or other guests of honor as they arrive at formal events. The event is usually accompanied by a lot of fanfare and attention. Jesus experienced this type of treatment a week before his death and resurrection as he entered Jerusalem on a donkey. The purpose of Jesus entry into Jerusalem was  to publicly proclaim that he was the king and messiah prophesied about in the Old Testament. The multitudes of people hailed him as their king laying their garments down along the path as he entered (Their version of a red carpet). Unfortunately, their praise was short lived when Jesus failed to meet their expectations. The people wanted a king to free them from Roman oppression but Jesus came for very different reasons. Jesus kingdom is not one of military might, but a kingdom of servanthood. Jesus doesn’t rule by force, but by love, grace, mercy and sacrifice. Jesus wants to make a triumphal entry into our hearts so that, as we follow him, we can exhibit those same qualities so that the world can see the true king living and reigning in triumph within us. 

Main Texts

8 And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. 9 And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” 11 And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. - Mark 11:8-11

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man - Acts 17:24

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you from the main thought and texts from above?

2. Have you invited Jesus to rule and reign in your life? If so, what does your life tell others about Jesus living in you?

3. What areas of your life need the rulership and lordship of Jesus?