Jesus gives us Peace, Purpose, and Power in the Holy Spirit

Friends, if we believe that God sent His son,  Jesus to be tortured and crucified, to take on every bit of our sin, to be resurrected from death, and restore fully our relationship with God...

...then what does that mean for us today?

Read John 20: 19-23
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Read Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
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• The first thing Jesus says is, “Peace be with you.”  Why might that be?
• Describe the significance of Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit on His disciples.
• How can people who are busy with their jobs, their families, and all the other responsibilities in life stay focused on keeping Christ’s purpose as their purpose?
• What is your main hindrance in being an effective witness for Christ?
• Discuss ways that we can cooperate with the Holy Spirit and step out for Jesus. Where do your passions lie? In what direction do you feel called, if any? How can you share the good news?​

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 ​

​Heavenly Father, thank you for the peace, purpose, and power you give us in your son Jesus.  Build in us courage that we may go boldly, with your love, grace, and truth where you have called us.  In Jesus name, Amen.