The Birth of the Church – STUDY GUIDE

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Icebreaker: When you hear the phrase ‘led by the Holy Spirit,’ what example first comes to mind?

1-11-2026

Sermon Title: Authentic Church – ‘The Birth of the Church’ – Acts 2:1-41

Group Discussion:

Read John 14:26 & John 16:13-14 – The Holy Spirit will confirm and clarify Jesus’ message. How can we determine the difference between the Holy Spirit confirming and clarifying Jesus’ teaching versus our own preferences, emotions, or cultural influences shaping what we might “think” He is saying? Discuss strategies for how we can make these distinctions and be more aligned with His will.

Read John 15:26-27 & Acts 1:8 – The Holy Spirit will open doors for the gospel. So, recognizing that the Holy Spirit opens doors (i.e., opportunities), how can this reshape the way we approach witnessing to others in terms of being aware of when to speak, when to wait, and how to proceed? Discuss how we can be more attentive and responsive when those opportunities arise.

Read John 3:3, John 3:5-7, & Acts 2:36-38 – Repent and be baptized. How do these passages help us understand the necessary steps of repentance and baptism? Discuss how the physical act of baptism (i.e., water) is part of the process of being ‘born again’ (i.e., Spirit). And once we come to faith in Jesus and are baptized, what role should repentance play in our ongoing faith journey?

Read Hebrews 10:24-25, Colossians 3:16, Mark 16:15, & 1 Peter 2:9 – The Church gathers to worship Jesus and scatters as witnesses for Jesus. Since gathering for worship is where we are nurtured, and mobilizing as witnesses is where we carry out Jesus’ mission, what are challenges we may experience in our faith if these two necessary components become unbalanced? Discuss how the encouragement we experience from engaging in weekly worship, small groups, and mentoring will prepare us for the challenges we will face in our own walk and when we share the gospel with others.

Spiritual Disciplines: Find resources for this sermon on our Church Center app: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources, like Who is the Holy Spirit and Outpouring of the Holy Spirit

Action Steps: (1) Listen for the Spirit’s guidance: Regularly pray and study scripture asking the Holy Spirit to confirm and clarify Jesus’ teachings, (2) Watch for open doors: Stay spiritually alert to opportunities the Holy Spirit prepares for you to share the gospel, (3) Respond with repentance and truth: Continually turn from sin toward Jesus and share how baptism is a clear, public response of faith, and (4) Gather to be sent: Commit to consistent worship and fellowship with other believers that exalts Jesus and intentionally equips and mobilizes you to live as His witness here, near, and far.