Series: The Mvmnt
Message: The Holy Spirit at Pentecost
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira
Reflection: Japhet De Oliveira
Live Wonder: Zan Long
Live Adventure: Zan Long
Live Purpose: Jessyka Albert
Editor: Becky De Oliveira
Refresh: Begin today in prayer. Ask God for understanding through the Holy Spirit and for God’s character to be revealed.
Read: Acts 1:12 - 2:21 in The Message (MSG). Note 1–3 insights or questions.
Reflect: No sooner had they selected the twelfth disciple than the day of Pentecost arrived. I happen to love Acts 2:1 simply because I helped create a faith community several years ago on the campus of Andrews University called One Place. We chose the name because of this text.
That university community has morphed and grown since it started in 2011, and I have not been back to visit since I left there in 2014, but there are faces that were part of that congregation that I will never forget. Each of those faces is connected to a story and each story is part of the larger one that we are all called to continue to create and share. There is an incredible amount of freedom when you start with a blank slate and can simply dream of what you would like a faith community to look like. Following the advice of Peter, I wanted experience and knowledge to be deeply rooted for people. I truly believe that if we open any book of the Bible and preach the word, week by week, everything else will fall into place in our faith communities.
Simple as this sounds, the value in discovering the Word and making it applicable to every age and situation is no easy task. This comes only through the strength of the Holy Spirit who brings creative people into communities together. These communities are made up of such wonderful talent. They are constantly growing, testing, trying, innovating. They are never too afraid to make a mistake. Never too afraid to take a risk. They are willing to invest in everyone. They are inclusive—seeking everyone,
This desire—for a group of passionate people to be together in one place with a common goal—is what I have for my local church in Boulder, Colorado, and, frankly, for all churches everywhere. After my four years in Boulder, I feel that we are much closer to making this dream a reality. People study the Daily Walk faithfully. It is based on the passage for Sabbath worship for the upcoming week at Church. What if we could get all the adult study groups to process that same passage? What if all the kids groups had a curriculum for each phase of life created around the passage? What if? Oh, wait . . . we are doing that. All because the story told in the Bible has to continue. It deserves to be shared—with everyone in as many ways as possible.
Recalibrate: How can you take this passage and apply to another person this week?
Respond: Pray for the opportunity to collaborate.
Research: Explore the concept of community collectives and consider how the model could help you or your local community.
Recharge: Wonder/Adventure/Purpose
When I have my eyes on You, Jesus, it changes how I see my world. Play a game of I spy. Tell your child about how Jesus made the whole world pretty. When we follow Jesus we see the prettiness of the world too.
What do you think it takes to be a good follower? Most times when we play follow the leader everyone wants to be the leader. Have you felt the disappointment of not being chosen to lead? Don’t be disappointed! Everyone is a leader. The person behind you is trusting that you are following well so they can follow you. So I ask you again what does it take to be a good follower?
The words we use are important. When Jesus’ followers received the Holy Spirit they were able to speak in different languages so everyone could understand. What are some words that you use that your grandparents don’t understand: Snapchat, dm, TBT, lit?