Historicizing Empowerment

Q: Are the actions described in the Bible limited to biblical times?

Q: What are the empowering forces throughout the Bible? Are different figures described at different times?

Q: What are these forces/figures today?

Q: How do we interpret the UCC’s “Still-speaking” campaign which affirms the continuing “revelation” of God then and now?

Q: Who is called to do God’s work? What are they like and how many are needed?

Engaging with Pentecost

Scriptural context:

• Receiving the Spirit and Baptism in the Spirit (Acts 1:5,8; Acts 8:15-17)
• “Charismatic” spiritual gifts (Acts 2:1-4) vs. “Edifying” spiritual gifts (Acts 2:41-42)
• Peter’s First Sermon (Acts 2:14-46)
• The gifts of the spirit are for everyone (Acts 10:44-47)

Acts 2:17-18 (NRSV)

17 ...I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

18 Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit and they shall prophesy.

Acts 2:38-39 (NRSV)

38 Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

39 For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.”

Q: How is prophesying related to God’s “still-speaking” revelation?

Q: What are the requirements to receive the Holy Spirit? Is there a process?

Q: What is the purpose of the Holy Spirit? (Compare John 15:15-16,18,26 ; Acts 1:8)

Q: What are we called to do in the Spirit?