Pastor Blaik J. Westhoff,
Scripture: Acts 8:9-25
Sermon Questions:
1. In verses 14-16 it says the Apostles “prayed for the new believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit” and then “placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit” Is this two-step process of receiving the Holy Spirit supposed to be the norm for everyone?
2. Are water baptism and spirit baptism two parts of one thing, or are they two separate things?
3. Was it better for the Samaritans being completely filled with the Holy Spirit that they were able to work signs and miracles, or that they received what we would call spiritual gifts?
4. Is your life noticeably different to yourself and others because of your faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection, or are you pretty much living the same way you would have even if Jesus had never come into the world?
5. If Peter and John were to come to Tabor Church and take a look around, would they say, “Yep, Spirit-filled to the brim” or would they say, “More Spirit needed here”?
Further Study:
John 20:19-23 (NIV)
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
1. In verse 21 John says Jesus “breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit””. Did the disciples receive the Holy Spirit at this time or at Pentecost?
2. In Luke 24:36-49 which recounts this same story Jesus instead says “stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” So is Luke saying the disciples only received the Holy Spirit in John 20:22 but did not receive the power of the Holy Spirit until Pentecost?
3. How would you describe the filling and the power of the Holy Spirit in your life right now? Has it always been this way? Do you want more?
4. Ask yourself the same three questions about Tabor church.