Bgroup Lesson May 05
Big Idea: Last week, we discussed the effects of a true conversion to Christ. It means being continually transformed into the image of Jesus and to be a witness of Jesus to others. One of the ways we outwardly expressed our conversion is by being baptized in water. Matthew 3:11 states, “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”
This week, we discuss a second form of baptism - the baptism of the Holy Spirit!
Key Scripture: Acts 2:1–4 (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.
The early Church was unstoppable because the all-powerful God lived both among them and within them. Just as the fiery tabernacle in the wilderness showed God’s presence with Israel, His desire has always been to dwell with His people—first with Adam, then with the Israelites, and now with the Church. What makes us unique is not our strength, but God’s presence among us. Even more personally, God longs to live within each of us, making our hearts His sanctuary and throne. Each person carries a personal flame—God’s presence uniquely ignited in them—showing that His power and intimacy are both corporate and deeply individual.
Discussion Questions: What does it mean to you personally that God desires to dwell not just among us, but within you? How can we recognize and respond to the “personal flame” of God’s presence in our daily lives?
Just as the fire above the tabernacle guided Israel’s movements in the wilderness, the early Church was unstoppable because it consistently followed the leading of the Holy Spirit. Throughout Acts, we see the Spirit directing the Church—raising up new leaders, sending out evangelists, guiding missionaries, and giving wisdom to the elders. From Philip to Peter to Paul, the Church moved in step with God’s direction. This same Spirit desires to lead us today—both corporately as a body when we pray and seek Him together, and individually as we listen and respond to His voice in our own lives.
Discussion Questions: How can we, as a group, become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s direction like the early Church? What are some ways you’ve personally experienced the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your life?
God is not only invisible—He is a God who reveals Himself in tangible, powerful ways. The fire over the tabernacle and the flames over the disciples’ heads were visible signs of His presence. The unstoppable Church is one of the clearest manifestations of God’s reality, presence, and power on the earth. Through the Church, God continues to reveal Himself by producing courage, miracles, spiritual gifts, and the fruit of the Spirit. The baptism in fire isn’t just a one-time event—it’s an ongoing demonstration to the world of the living God within us.
Discussion Questions: In what ways have you seen or experienced God manifesting His presence through courage, miracles, gifts, or fruit in your life? What does it mean to live a life that continually demonstrates the God who lives within you?
The unstoppable Church is marked by God’s powerful presence—dwelling among us, within us, guiding us, and manifesting through us. From the fire over the tabernacle to the flames at Pentecost, God has always shown His desire to be near His people and lead them by His Spirit. As we follow His direction and allow Him to work through us with courage, gifts, and fruit, our lives become a living testimony of the God who is both real and present. If you haven’t received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, or if you need a fresh indwelling of the Spirit, ask your small group leader to lay hands on you and pray for this significant and transformative baptism today!