Pentecost Sunday

So, yes, we don’t have to deal with discomforts like working for our food, moving hard and heavy each day, feeling deep hunger, and being exposed to the elements. But we do have to deal with the side effects of our comfort: long-term physical and mental health problems.
‍- The Comfort Crisis, Michael Easter

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When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to betongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
- Acts 2:1-4

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Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libyanear Cyrene; visitors from Rome.
- Acts 2:9-10

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It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me (I’m the problem, it’s me)At tea time, everybody agrees
– Taylor Swift, Anti – Hero

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“Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!
- Acts 2:14-15

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All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
- Acts 2:44-47

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“Why, among all the many cults and philosophies which competed in the Greco-Roman world and in spite of more severe opposition…did [Christianity]outstrip them all? …[In significant part] Christianity’s success is to be found in its inclusiveness. More than any of its competitors it attracted all races and classes…. Christianity…gloried in its appeal to Jew and Gentile, Greek and barbarian…. Christianity…drew the lowly and unlettered multitude…. Yet,Christianity also developed a philosophy which commanded the respect of many of the learned…. Christianity, too, was for both sexes, whereas at least two of its main rivals were primarily for men. The Church welcomed both rich and poor…. No other cult, therefore, took in so many groups and strata of society.“
- Kenneth Scott Latourette

Mixer

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Neighborly - Daily Devotional

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1. In the 5/24/23 entry, Mission Drift, Pastor Harry shares how Harvard University began to teach truth apart from God, eventually dropping “Christ and the church” from their Seal and Mission. In what ways are you living apart from God? Are you noticing you may have mission drift? What has happened to cause you to drift from Him, and how will you get back on course?
2. In the 5/25/23 entry, From Shepherd To King, Cristina shares how God trained David as a shepherd first before he was king. Are you in a season of life that leaves you wondering what God is doing and what is this all for? How does how you view this season change knowing that God is training you for something else? What lessons and preparations can you see? What actions, thoughts, and feelings do you need to discard in order to lean in to what you cannot see now?

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Sermon Questions

Scriptures: Acts 2:1-4, Acts 2:14-15, Acts 2:44-47

1. Pastor Jared shared, “The Holy Spirit comes for the purpose of making you uncomfortable; there is power in our moments of stretching.” What area of your life could God be stretching you or causing discomfort, making room for the Spirit to move?
2. Read Acts 2:1-4. It has been 50 days since Easter Sunday. Describe how you imagine Jesus’ apostles were feeling about Jesus at this point. Now, describe YOUR feelings about Jesus at this point.
3. Pastor Jared discussed the idea that our culture is steeped in the belief that: we, as individuals, are right; external features and people are the problem; and we only need to turn inward to control our world and solve our difficulties. But, Christianity takes the opposite perspective. The only solution is to turn externally to God and invite the Holy Spirit into our soul to fix us. What are your thoughts on these two perspectives?
4. Pastor Jared described the tongue of fire as “joyful fearlessness.” The apostles were crowned by tongues of fire to permit them to speak on the Spirit’s behalf during the Festival of Weeks. Imagine God crowning you with a tongue of fire. Describe how this might feel. Imagine a circumstance where God might want you to speak up – what might you say in that Spirit-filled moment?
5. Read Acts 2:44-47. The thousands of apostles who inherited the Holy Spirit communed together, providing commonality among diversity. What does this mean to you? How can you go first in setting up or improving community in your neighborhood, work place, home, or CRB?

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Serve

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Pray

As we remember the sacrifices of all the military men and women who have given their lives defending our country, let’s also give thanks to the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, who protects and fights for you and your loved ones every moment of the day and night. No one better to have in your corner than the Commander of all things!

Make the LORD of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. He will keep you safe.

Isaiah 8:13-14