Prayer (5 Minutes)
- Have everyone share one thing they were thankful for in the week.
- Have everyone share one prayer request.
Song (5 Minutes)
Catechism (5 minutes)
Have everyone read aloud simultaneously or allow everyone to try to answer before revealing the answer.
Q17: What is idolatry?
A: Idolatry is trusting in created things rather than the Creator. (Romans 1:21 and 25)
A: Idolatry is trusting in created things rather than the Creator. (Romans 1:21 and 25)
Questions from: https://newcitycatechism.com/. Go there to start from beginning or to read more.
Scripture (5 Minutes)
Acts 2:1–6, 22–24, 32–33, 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.
At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
“People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.
“God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.
“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.”
At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
“People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.
“God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.
“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.”
Discussion (5-10 Minutes)
You can lead through a teaching or use the following questions to start a discussion:
- Peter went from denying Jesus to boldly preaching about Him. Have you ever had a moment where you felt suddenly brave about your faith?
- From Peter's sermon, what facts about Jesus would be key for non-believers to understand?
- What does it mean that Jesus is both Lord and Messiah?
- Peter seized this opportunity to tell people the Good News about Jesus. How can you share the Good News this week?
Closing Prayer (3 Minutes)
From Psalm 16:8–11
Lord, you are always before me. Because you are at my right hand, I will not be shaken. My heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to realm of the dead. Jesus did not decay but rose again, giving us freedom and life. By the power of the Holy Spirit, make known to me the path of life and fill me with joy in your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Lord, you are always before me. Because you are at my right hand, I will not be shaken. My heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to realm of the dead. Jesus did not decay but rose again, giving us freedom and life. By the power of the Holy Spirit, make known to me the path of life and fill me with joy in your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.