Jesus Disappeared

  • Pastor Josh Smith
Have you ever wondered about the true purpose of the Holy Spirit in your life? As we explore the events of Pentecost, discover how the Advocate empowers us to live beyond the temporary and embrace the eternal. Let’s delve into the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and how it equips us to be witnesses in a world filled with uncertainty.

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Jesus Disappeared

Message Summary
Have you ever wondered about the true purpose of the Holy Spirit in your life? As we explore the events of Pentecost, discover how the Advocate empowers us to live beyond the temporary and embrace the eternal. Let’s delve into the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and how it equips us to be witnesses in a world filled with uncertainty.
Key Scripture
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 NLT)
Acts 1:8 NLT
Additional Scriptures

5 Day Devotional

Day 1

Day 1: The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Scripture: John 14:15-21 NLT
“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

Devotional:
Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would come as an Advocate, a Helper who would never leave them. This promise is not just for the disciples but for all believers. The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, guiding us into all truth and empowering us to live out our faith. As we embrace this promise, we are reminded that we are never alone; the Spirit of God dwells within us, leading us and revealing Jesus to us.

Response Questions:

  1. How does knowing the Holy Spirit is your Advocate change your perspective on daily challenges?
  2. In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit leading you into truth?
  3. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life?

Prayer Points:

  • Pray for a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance in your life.
  • Ask God to help you obey His commandments and live in a way that reflects His love.

Day 2

Day 2: The Power to Witness

Scripture: Acts 1:6-11 NLT
So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

Devotional:
The disciples were eager to know about the restoration of Israel, but Jesus redirected their focus to a greater mission: being His witnesses. The power of the Holy Spirit enables us to share the gospel boldly and effectively. This power is not just for public ministry but for everyday interactions where we can testify to the love and truth of Jesus. As we rely on the Holy Spirit, we become vessels through which God’s kingdom is advanced.

Response Questions:

  1. What does it mean to you to be a witness for Jesus in your daily life?
  2. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit’s power in your interactions with others?
  3. In what areas do you need more boldness to share your faith?

Prayer Points:

  • Pray for boldness and opportunities to share the gospel with those around you.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to be an effective witness for Jesus.

Day 3

Day 3: The Spirit’s Indwelling

Scripture: John 14:23-27 NLT
Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Devotional:
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a profound mystery and a powerful reality. Jesus promises that He and the Father will make their home with those who love Him. This indwelling presence brings peace that surpasses understanding and a constant reminder of Jesus’ teachings. As we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, we experience a transformation that aligns our lives with God’s will and purpose.

Response Questions:

  1. How does the concept of God making His home in you impact your understanding of your identity in Christ?
  2. In what ways have you experienced the peace that Jesus promises?
  3. How can you allow the Holy Spirit to teach and remind you of Jesus’ words daily?

Prayer Points:

  • Pray for a deeper understanding and experience of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence.
  • Ask for the peace of Christ to guard your heart and mind in all circumstances.

Day 4

Day 4: The Spirit’s Role in Conviction

Scripture: John 16:7-11 NLT
But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.

Devotional:
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This conviction is not about condemnation but about revealing truth and leading people to repentance. As believers, we are called to partner with the Holy Spirit in this work, living lives that reflect God’s righteousness and pointing others to the hope found in Jesus.

Response Questions:

  1. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s conviction in your own life?
  2. In what ways can you partner with the Holy Spirit to reflect God’s righteousness to others?
  3. How does understanding the Spirit’s role in conviction change your approach to sharing the gospel?

Prayer Points:

  • Pray for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s conviction in your life and the courage to respond.
  • Ask for wisdom and grace to reflect God’s righteousness in your interactions with others.

Day 5

Day 5: Living Spirit-Filled Lives

Scripture: Acts 2:1-4, 36-39 NLT
On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability… “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”

Devotional:
The day of Pentecost marked the beginning of a new era for the church, as believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to spread the gospel. This same Spirit is available to us today, equipping us to live lives that glorify God and impact the world. As we seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit, we open ourselves to His transformative work, allowing Him to guide, empower, and use us for His purposes.

Response Questions:

  1. What does it mean to you to live a Spirit-filled life?
  2. How can you actively seek the Holy Spirit’s filling and empowerment in your daily walk?
  3. In what ways can you contribute to the advancement of God’s kingdom through the power of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer Points:

  • Pray for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit and a renewed passion for God’s purposes.
  • Ask for opportunities to use your gifts and abilities to serve others and advance God’s kingdom.

GrowGroup Guide

A weekly guide to carry the conversation beyond Sunday morning.

Opening Prayer: Begin with a prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and open hearts to His truth.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does it mean to you that the Holy Spirit is described as an “Advocate”?
    • Context: The sermon emphasized the Holy Spirit as our Advocate, a legal term indicating someone who comes alongside to help and guide us. This role is crucial because we face an adversary, the accuser, who seeks to deceive and discourage us. Discuss how understanding the Holy Spirit as an Advocate changes your perspective on spiritual battles.
  2. How do you perceive the difference between the Holy Spirit being “with” you and “in” you?
    • Context: The sermon highlighted the transition from the Holy Spirit being with the disciples to being in them, marking a significant shift in their empowerment and relationship with God. Reflect on how this indwelling presence impacts your daily life and spiritual walk.
  3. In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit as a teacher and reminder in your life?
    • Context: Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach and remind us of His teachings. Share personal experiences where you felt guided or reminded by the Holy Spirit, and discuss how this has influenced your faith journey.
  4. How can we ensure that our lives bring glory to Jesus, as empowered by the Holy Spirit?
    • Context: The sermon challenged us to live lives that glorify Jesus, not just in church but throughout the week. Discuss practical ways to align your actions and decisions with this purpose, considering the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
  5. What are some “parasites” or lies that you need the Holy Spirit to confront in your life?
    • Context: The sermon used the metaphor of a parasite to describe the lies and accusations of the enemy. Identify specific lies you struggle with and discuss how the truth of the Holy Spirit can counteract these deceptions.
  6. How can we cultivate a daily expectancy for the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives?
    • Context: The sermon encouraged a posture of expectancy for the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. Brainstorm ways to foster this expectancy, such as through prayer, scripture reading, and community support.

Closing Activity: Invite group members to write down one area where they need the Holy Spirit’s advocacy and guidance. Encourage them to pray over these areas throughout the week, asking for the Holy Spirit’s presence and power to be evident.

Closing Prayer: Conclude with a prayer, thanking God for the gift of the Holy Spirit and asking for His continued guidance and empowerment in each group member’s life.

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Weekly Practice

A weekly practice you can do beyond Sunday morning.