Empowered to Proclaim

God’s intention is to use the proclamation of the gospel message through his people to save people from sin, death, and hell from every people group on earth. In this passage we see that he has given us his Holy Spirit to empower us to proclaim that message.

Sermon Outline:

I. The Source of the Proclamation.

II. The Crux of the Proclamation.

III. The Effect of the Proclamation.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. How do you personally relate to the common fears about sharing your faith that were described in the sermon? What do those fears reveal about your view of God, others, or yourself?

2. Peter once denied Jesus out of fear, yet in Acts 2 he boldly proclaims the gospel. What do you think made the difference, and how does that encourage or challenge you today?

3. Peter says the events of Pentecost fulfill Joel’s prophecy that God would pour out His Spirit “on all flesh.” How does that reshape your understanding of who is called and empowered to share the gospel? How do your gifts and context shape the way you proclaim the mighty works of God?

4. The sermon describes how Peter's audience was “cut to the heart” when they heard the message. Have you ever experienced this kind of conviction when hearing God’s Word? How did you respond? How can we sensitively help others work through conviction without minimizing it or making people feel condemned?

5. What step of response might the Spirit be calling you to take after hearing this sermon?