Podcasts + Discipleship: Click to learn how pursueGOD works.
PursueGOD is a podcast-based discipleship library. Here's how to use our resources with your family, small group, or one-on-one mentoring relationship:
- Pick a series from our homepage. There's plenty to choose from!
- Each series contains multiple lessons. Click on the numbered tabs to open each lesson.
- Each lesson includes an audio podcast. Start by listening to the podcast on your own, before you meet as a group. Take notes as needed, and listen again if it helps. Consider starting a discipleship journal to track what you're learning.
- Meet with your family, group, or mentor to talk through what you learned from the podcast. Each lesson includes shownotes, talking points, and discussion questions. Click on the # tab to explore additional topics when you're done.
- Need more helpful tips on using our tools? Listen to the podcast below or check out one of our many training series.
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CHAPTER 1
Intro to the Book of Acts (1:1-5)
Talking Points:
- Today we start a new series on the Book of Acts. We’ll cover the first five verses and answer the question: How should we act on the message of Jesus? A lot of people view Christianity as merely an ideology or a set of beliefs, but it’s more than that.
- Acts is part two of the Luke-Acts volume, which was originally circulated as one book. It was written by Luke, a doctor and ministry companion of Paul. Acts 1:1-2
- The gospel of Luke was about seeking Jesus and learning the truth about his life, death, and resurrection. In Luke’s sequel (Acts) the focus changes to sharing Jesus, specifically the message of his kingdom. Acts 1:3
- Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower the disciples for their earthly mission. They were learning that the death and resurrection of Jesus was the start of something, not the end. Acts 1:4-5
- Acts is the story of Christ-followers who didn’t just learn, they acted – by spreading the message of the Kingdom of God.
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- Have you ever read the Book of Acts? If so, what stories do you remember? Make a list.
- “A lot of people view Christianity as merely an ideology or a set of beliefs.” How have you seen this play out in today’s church? Give examples.
- Read Luke 24:44-45. What’s the difference between hearing a message and understanding it? Give an example of this in your own life.
- Read Acts 1:3. What kinds of things do you imagine Jesus taught his disciples in those 40 days? Make a list.
- Who shared the message of Jesus with you? How did they do it? How did you respond? Have you passed it on to someone else?
The Promised Spirit (Acts 1:6-11)
Talking Points:
- Today we continue our study of Acts, covering Acts 1:6-11. Here’s the question we’ll answer as we look at the text: Does God favor one nation over another?
- The disciples were thinking of the Kingdom of God in nationalistic and political terms, much like American Christians do today. They were longing for the return of the glory days of King David and Solomon. Acts 1:6
- Jesus promised them power through the Holy Spirit – but the purpose was to speak out, not to conquer. They would be messengers, not warriors. Acts 1:7-8
- Jesus ascended into heaven, but someday he’ll come back. The time in between is for the church to get to work, sharing the Good News with the world. Acts 1:9-11
- The Kingdom of God is already established in heaven. It’s permanent, and Jesus is on the throne. No nation is favored; every nation is invited. Revelation 7:9-10
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- The podcast gives an overview of Israel’s history as a nation. How would you summarize that history? Why was there so much drama?
- Why did Israel see themselves as God’s favored nation? How did Jesus’ ministry contribute to that feeling?
- Give an example of when national pride is a good thing. Give an example of when it goes too far.
- Read Acts 1:8. What is the purpose of the Holy Spirit’s power? Why would this have been surprising to the disciples?
- Why is it significant that the angels called the disciples “men of Galilee”? What did the region of Galilee signify?
- Based on today’s lesson, how would you answer this question: Does God favor one nation over another?
Waiting on God (Acts 1:12-26)
What’s the Best Way to Wait on God? (Acts 1:12-26)
Talking Points:
- Today we continue our study of Acts, covering Acts 1:12-26. Here’s the question we’ll answer as we look at the text: what should you do while you wait on God?
- Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, but when he ascended they realized they had no clue what to do while they waited! Many of us feel the same way through different seasons in life.
- The disciples had great expectation but little understanding, and this is where we are when we wait on God. Their answer to this was simple obedience to Jesus’ command, starting with returning to Jerusalem. Acts 1:12-13
- In their waiting, the disciples modeled three practical steps of obedience: connection, prayer, and scripture study. These spiritual disciplines are available to every Christian today. Acts 1:13-17
- Too many believers try to go through life alone, without prayer, and without God’s Word. To wait on God is to actively engage in timeless disciplines, trusting God to act in his timing.
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- Have you ever had to wait on God for something big in your life? Give an example.
- Obedience can be difficult at times. Out of the three spiritual disciplines mentioned today, which one is your strongest? Weakest?
- Share a time when your community encouraged you in your time of waiting on God.
- In the Pillar Commentary, we read: “It is striking that at almost every important turning point in the narrative of God’s redemptive action in Acts we find a mention of prayer.” What are some prayers you have found yourself hesitant to take to the Lord? Why?
- What are some practical steps you can take to grow in your Bible reading habits?
- “To wait on God is to actively engage in timeless disciplines, trusting God to act in his timing.” How is this different from the way you used to view waiting on God?
CHAPTER 2
Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13)
What Is Baptism with the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:1-13)
Talking Points:
- Today we’re studying Acts 2:1-13, the passage that essentially describes the birth of the Christian church. It begins to answer an important question: What is the purpose of baptism with the Holy Spirit? Acts 1:5
- All the believers were together for Pentecost – a Jewish holy day that celebrated the giving of the Law to Moses. The sound of a mighty wind filled the house, which to the Jewish mind was a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1-2, Ezekiel 37:9-14
- Something like flames appeared on each believer, yet another symbol of God’s presence. Previously the disciples had been influenced by the Holy Spirit, but now everyone was indwelt by the Spirit – something Jesus promised would happen. Acts 2:3-4, John 14:16-17
- Many devout Jews were drawn to the scene and heard the believers miraculously speaking in their various languages. This was God’s purpose all along: to share Jesus’ message with every nation. Acts 2:5-13
- The purpose of baptism with the Holy Spirit is not to speak in unknown languages, but to share the gospel! Every believer receives this spiritual baptism at conversion, which should result in boldness to witness. Acts 1:8
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- When you hear “baptism with the Holy Spirit”, is it something you’re used to hearing about, or does it freak you out a little bit?
- Read Acts 1:5. How would you explain the difference between baptism with water and baptism with the Holy Spirit? Why have both?
- Have you ever witnessed someone speaking in tongues? What were your thoughts?
- Read John 14:16-17. Notice the passage refers to the Holy Spirit as “him”. What does that say about the nature of the Holy Spirit? Why is this significant?
- “The disciples were influenced by the Holy Spirit while they walked with Jesus, but now they will be indwelt by the Holy Spirit”. Explain this quote from the podcast. Talk about what it means to be ‘influenced’ vs ‘indwelt’.
- After listening to the podcast, and discussing with your group or mentor, how would you now answer today’s question: What is the purpose of baptism with the Holy Spirit?
BONUS: Is Speaking in Tongues Biblical?
Is Speaking in Tongues Biblical?
Talking Points:
- Is speaking in tongues biblical? If you were raised in a Pentecostal church, your answer is “yes”! If you were raised in a cessationist church, your answer is “no”! In this lesson we’ll see what the Bible has to say.
- Baptism with the Holy Spirit – a phrase coined by Jesus (Acts 1:5) – first happened for Jewish believers on the day of Pentecost. Today, pentecostal believers point to this to affirm their practice of speaking in tongues. Acts 2:1-4
- Samaritans first received this gift in Acts 8 and Gentiles received it in Acts 10. This demonstrates that speaking in tongues is not limited to a specific group or ethnicity.
- Paul encounters some “believers” in Ephesus who had not yet received the Holy Spirit. After Paul laid hands on them, they received the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues and prophesying. Acts 19:1-7
- In 1 Corinthians 14 Paul seems to draw a distinction between the corporate gift of tongues and the personal exercise of the gift. Apparently the church in Corinth had gotten carried away and missed the whole point.
- Pentecostals should be careful not to misuse the gift of tongues in a corporate setting. Cessationists should be careful not to forbid speaking in tongues. 1 Corinthians 14:39-40
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- Have you ever heard someone speak in tongues? How did you react to it?
- Where do you lean personally on the spectrum: toward Pentecostals or toward cessationists? Explain.
- In your own words, describe the purpose of the gift of tongues in the book of Acts. How does it connect to Acts 1:8?
- Read Romans 8:26. Have you ever experienced the Holy Spirit like this in prayer or praise? Pentecostals often relate this to speaking in tongues – do you think this is accurate? Explain.
- Read 1 Corinthians 14:39-40. What’s the warning for Pentecostals here? What’s the warning for cessationists?
The Spirit’s Role (Acts 2:14-21)
What’s the Role of the Spirit in our Lives Today? (Acts 2:14-21)
Talking Points:
- Today we’ll look at part one of Peter’s first-ever sermon in the church age. It begins to answer the question: What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives today?
- In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit was given to select individuals for specific tasks. In Moses’ day God shared his Spirit with 70 elders of Israel to help Moses with the burden of ministry. Numbers 11:16-17
- Moses longed for the day when everyone could receive the Holy Spirit. Joel prophesied that this day would someday come. Numbers 11:29, Joel 2:28-29
- Peter’s sermon declares that this day had finally come! The Holy Spirit was poured out on every believer, changing forever the way God relates to his people. Acts 2:14-21, Ezekiel 36:26-27
- The Holy Spirit’s ministry is threefold: he convicts non-believers, guides believers, and glorifies Jesus. John 16:8, 13-14
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- How would you have answered today’s question before listening to the podcast? What about after?
- Put yourself in the shoes of the onlookers, the eye-witnesses. After physically seeing the baptism of the Holy Spirit, how do you think you would have reacted to Peter’s sermon?
- In Acts 2:17, why do you think God describes the referenced time as “the last days”?
- How did the individual tongues of fire represent the Holy Spirit’s new role in our relationship with God? How does this compare to the Old Testament examples?
- Read Ezekiel 36:26-27. Explain this idea of a “new heart”. How have you experienced it in your own life?
- Read John 16:8. What does it mean to be “convicted” by the Holy Spirit? In what ways have you been convicted in the past?
The Real Gospel (Acts 2:22-36)
Talking Points:
- Today we’ll answer a basic, yet important question: What is the real gospel? The true gospel has been hijacked by televangelists, secularist, and political parties, but to rediscover it we simply need to re-read the first sermon ever preached in the church age.
- The meat of Peter’s sermon was about the person and work of Jesus. For Peter, the good news of the Bible starts and ends with him. Acts 2:22
- The gospel requires the cross, and the death of Jesus was not just the work of the Jews and Romans. The crucifixion was part of God’s prearranged plan to save humanity. Acts 2:23
- The gospel is proven by the resurrection. Without the resurrection, there is no good news to share. Acts 2:24-31
- The gospel declares Jesus is Lord. His Kingdom is already established, and Jesus is already on the throne! Acts 2:33-36
- The real gospel is an invitation to respond to the Jesus of the Bible. Every other “gospel” is a cheap fake that won’t satisfy or save. Acts 2:21
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- List out the false gospels mentioned in the podcast. What do these false gospels get wrong about the true gospel? What’s a good test of their validity?
- Jesus + ______? Apart from established church gospels, what are some “false gospel” that we buy into in our daily lives?
- Read Acts 2:38. How does this posture towards God combat the “woke gospel”? What are things that make it difficult to “repent of your sins and turn to God”?
- Read 1 Corinthians 15:14. What is the significance of the resurrection for the gospel message, and what does it prove?
- In Acts 2:21, Peter makes it clear: “But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” Why do you think we humans tend to overcomplicate our salvation?
- Have you accepted the invitation to make Jesus Lord of your life? If not, what is holding you back?
This series is still in production. Come back every Friday for a new episode!