Scripture: Acts 2:1–4; Galatians 5:16–26
Main Themes: Presence of God, the Spirit’s guidance, faith amidst uncertainty, sacredness of the body, community, and transformation
Discussion Questions:
- Experiencing God’s Presence
- Pentecost is described with vivid imagery—wind, fire, new languages. How would you describe an experience in your life when you felt God’s presence?
- Pastor Mark asked, “Where is God now?” How would you answer that today?
- The Lens of Faith
- Pastor Mark described faith as “a lens through which we can choose to look at the world.” What does that mean to you?
- How does choosing a faith perspective affect how you interpret life’s joys or struggles?
- Spirit vs. Flesh—or Something More?
- Paul often contrasts “Spirit” and “flesh.” Do you find these categories helpful, limiting, or both?
- How does Pastor Mark’s idea of the sacredness of the flesh reshape how we view our bodies and our care for others?
- Fruits of the Spirit
- Which of the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) most resonates with you right now? Why?
- Which one do you find the most difficult to embody?
- Scripture That Grounds Us
- Pastor Mark mentioned verses like Psalm 139 and Isaiah 43 as “balm for the soul.” What scripture passages have grounded or comforted you in your life?
- How might memorizing or deeply knowing certain verses shape your spiritual journey?
- Community and God Showing Up
- Pastor Mark speculated that, “God shows up when we show up expecting God to show up.” How do we as a church create that expectation and presence together?
- How might events like BUILD Citywide reflect the modern-day spirit of Pentecost?
- Applying the Sermon
- What’s one tangible way you can “live by the Spirit” this week—in word, action, or mindset?
- How can our church model a Pentecost-like unity in diversity?
