“Born by the Holy Spirit” – a message from Acts 1-2

This past weekend at Eastbrook, we begin a new preaching series entitled “Essential Church.” This series is the first of a three-part exploration of the Book of Acts this Fall, including “Ordinary People in God’s Extraordinary Work” and “Jesus, King of the Nations.”

As we began that series, my message this weekend explored the first two chapters of Acts with attention on the Holy Spirit’s presence giving life and direction to the church. In a sense, Acts is a new chapter in what it means to be human and relate to God.

You can find the message outline and video below. You can access the entire series here. Join us for weekend worship in-person or remotely via Eastbrook at Home.

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“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 
(Acts 1:8)

Introducing Acts

What is Acts?

Who wrote it and why?

What does “Acts” mean?

Why would we study it today? 

A New Chapter in the Rule and Reign of God

The resurrection of Jesus

The ascension of Jesus

The waiting of the church in prayer

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit

Peter’s Message About What’s Happening 

God’s rule and reign in a renewed covenant

God’s rule and reign in Jesus crucified, resurrected, and ascended

God’s rule and reign that leads to radical change and total allegiance

The Holy Spirit in the People of God Now

Responding to God through total allegiance

Waiting daily upon God for Him to work

Living in the rule and reign of God daily

Watching what God does in the coming weeks

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Dig Deeper

Exploring Faith

• What do you think it means to live surrendered to the Holy Spirit? How might that be different than the way you live right now?

Growing in Faith

• Commit to memory Acts 1:8 or Acts 2:1-4. Reflect on these verses this week. 
• Read through Acts 1 and 2 and write down every mention of the Holy Spirit. What do you learn about who the Holy Spirit is and what the Holy Spirit does? What questions do you have? Who might you reach out to this week about that? 

Centered in Faith

• As God speaks to you, who might you pour into this week about living surrendered to the Holy Spirit? 
• Consider exploring a further resource, such as N. T. Wright, The Challenge of Acts