Discussion Guide: The Sounds of Pentecost

PRAYER

Our main goal in this time together is to build relationships and learn to walk alongside one another in all that God has called us to be and do. Let’s start by praying for each other.

Does anyone have prayer requests or personal stories of how God has been moving in your life that we can celebrate together?

THIS WEEK

Pentecost wasn’t just a moment in history. It was the moment that changed everything. It fulfilled God’s promises, birthed the Church, and launched its mission through the power of the Holy Spirit.

On Sunday, Pastor Alvin Brown walked us through Acts 2, The Sound That Changed Everything, drawing our attention to the sounds that marked that day: heaven’s rushing wind, voices from every nation, the crowd’s mixed reactions, and a bold witness that sparked repentance.

But he didn’t leave it there. He challenged us to consider what Pentecost means for us today, right where we live, work, and play, and to ask ourselves: what kind of sound is my life making in response?

To start our time together, let’s begin with the following questions:

If your week had a soundtrack, what would be the main “sound” or vibe?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

SCRIPTURE

Have someone read Acts 2:1-14,37 aloud. As you listen, notice any words or phrases that stand out, and ask the Holy Spirit to highlight something for you.

Acts 2:1-14, 37

1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 

2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 

3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 

6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 

7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 

8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 

9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 

10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 

11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 

12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 

13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

The Sounds of Heaven

God’s mission has always started with God. 

Before anything happened down here on earth, Pentecost started in heaven. The people in Acts 2 were gathered for a festival they already knew well, as Pentecost had been celebrated for generations. 

But this time, it wasn’t just about tradition. This time, it was the fulfillment of promises God had been making all along.

Prophets like Joel, Ezekiel, and Isaiah had spoken of a day when God would pour out His Spirit. And when that day came, the sound that filled the room didn’t come from the crowd, it came from heaven.

It’s a good reminder: God’s mission has always begun with God Himself. Not with our striving, but with His presence, His power, and His Spirit. That’s what makes all the difference.

What stands out to you about the way God chose to begin Pentecost, starting from heaven, and not from people?

Why do you think it matters that Pentecost had already been a long-standing tradition before Acts 2? How does that add meaning to what happened?

Can you think of a time when God moved in your life and it was clear it started with Him, not you? What did that look or feel like?

How does it shift your view of God’s mission to remember that it always starts with His presence, not our performance?

The Sounds of the Nations

God’s mission has always been to all nations.

Pentecost wasn’t just a powerful spiritual moment.  It’s a global turning point. When the Holy Spirit showed up, the disciples didn’t just start speaking randomly.  They spoke real languages they’d never studied. 

And people from all over the world heard the message of Jesus in their own language. That wasn’t by chance. It was God making it clear that His heart has always been for all people, all nations.

The Spirit didn’t just give them boldness. He made the message personal. He made it make sense. And the same thing is still happening today. We’re part of that story now. 

God still sends us to connect across differences, to speak in ways others can actually hear, and to share His love right where we live, work, and play.

Why do you think it mattered so much that people heard the gospel in their own language that day?

Have you ever had a moment where someone spoke to you in a way that made you feel truly seen or understood? What made that moment stand out?

What are some “language barriers” in your world today—not just words, but differences in culture, experience, or background—that might make it harder to connect with others?

How might the Holy Spirit want to use your voice, story, or experiences to reach someone who’s different from you?

The Sounds of the Crowd

God’s mission has always drawn the perplexed and scornful.

Not everyone at Pentecost responded the same way. As we saw in Acts 2:12-13, some leaned in, genuinely curious, asking, “What does this mean?” Others just shrugged it off and made fun of it. 

And honestly, that’s always been the case with God’s mission. It attracts and pulls in both the curious and the critical. The same moment that moves one person can push another away. 

But that should not be taken as a sign that something went wrong. That’s just how the Holy Spirit works. He stirs hearts, He challenges assumptions, and He invites people to see something deeper.

If you’ve ever shared your faith and received mixed reactions, don’t be discouraged. Remain steady as you continue to love and serve people well. Trust that God is still working, even when you can’t see it yet.

Why do you think people had such different responses to the same moment at Pentecost? What does that show us about how God works?

Have you ever felt discouraged when someone responded negatively or indifferently to your faith? How did you handle it?

What helps you stay patient and hopeful when someone you care about seems uninterested or even resistant to Jesus?

How can we grow in showing patience, love, and kindness to both the curious and the skeptical where we live, work, and play?

The Sounds of a Witness

God’s mission has always required a human voice.

Pentecost wasn’t just about wind, fire, or a crowd. It was about how the Holy Spirit moved one person to speak up and use their voice.   

In Acts 2:14, when Peter stood and shared his story, it reminded us that God’s mission always involves real people using their voices. The Spirit moved with power, but it came through someone willing to avail themselves to the Holy Spirit to speak. 

As this was the case then, so it is the case now.  Miracles might grab attention, but it’s the gospel spoken by ordinary people in everyday moments that truly brings understanding and hope. And just like Peter, we don’t have to be perfect, we need to be willing.

What stands out to you about Peter’s willingness to speak up on Pentecost?

What might keep us from speaking up, and how can we overcome those barriers?

Where in your daily life—at work, with friends, or in your community—do you feel called to lift your voice?

The Sounds of Repentance

God’s mission has always brought people to salvation.

Pentecost wasn’t just a powerful event. It was about people responding to God’s love and call. Pentecost marks the beginning of God’s ongoing rescue mission, inviting every nation and generation to respond to God’s grace through the sounds of repentance. 

Just as the crowd in Acts 2, who were “cut to the heart” and asked, “What shall we do?” lives have been changed throughout history whenever the Spirit moves and truth is shared.

Salvation in Jesus doesn’t come from pressure, trying harder, or self-improvement. It happens when the Spirit convicts us, leading us to turn away from sin and step into a new life filled with holiness, joy, and purpose, which is something only Jesus can offer.

And Jesus’ mission is still alive today, calling us to share the good news of Jesus with our family, friends, and neighbors where we live, work, and play.

Why is repentance such an important part of responding to God’s grace?

Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt “cut to the heart” by God’s truth? What was that like?

Who might God be calling you to share your story with, and how, as part of His rescue mission where you live, work, and play this week?

CLOSING THOUGHT

Pentecost wasn’t just a one-time moment. It’s the ongoing movement of God’s Spirit, still drawing people to Jesus today.

On that day, God broke through confusion, curiosity, mockery, and repentance by reaching across language and culture. And He did it through ordinary people—people like Peter, and people like us—willing to speak up, serve well, and point others to Jesus.

That hasn’t changed. The Spirit still speaks. People still respond in all kinds of ways. And God still uses us to reach the people right in front of us.

So if you’ve ever felt the tension when sharing your faith, you’re not alone. That’s always been part of the story. But take heart and know that the same Spirit who moved then is still moving now, reaching every generation and every nation, one life at a time.

Let’s close in prayer: God, thank You for still speaking, still moving, and still using people like us in the spirit of Pentecost, as we aim our hearts toward Mission 2029 individually and collectively. Help us to trust you to lead us by Your Spirit in being open, honest, and bold with our faith in Jesus to reach the nations. Give us eyes to see the people around us, ears to hear Your Spirit, and courage to speak when You lead. Use our lives to point others to Jesus where we live, work, and play, and to the ends of the earth. And may Jesus get the glory. Amen.