Grow Guide | May 31, 2026

Written By Kevin Bergeson

Text Study for Sunday, May 31, 2026

Series Theme: Continue to Believe

printable version

Reading: Acts 2:32-39

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

Tell about a time you had to make a “U turn.” Why is it memorable?

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

God of life, we celebrate the good news that Jesus has been raised from the dead. Make us confident in the truth of Christ’s resurrection and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

CONTEXT

Our sermon series will examine how the disciples and early believers CONTINUE TO BELIEVE. What did it mean for them and what can we learn from their experience of being sent into the world? As Christians, we carry the peace of Jesus in our hearts and are compelled to share it. We are to share Jesus with everyone! Through our kindness, to be bold in our knowledge of Jesus' resurrection, whether we've seen it not. We are to honor the many gifts we each have for the good of the kingdom. We are to stand side-by-side with those who are not like us. We are to lean into the holy spirit's guidance and CONTINUE TO BELIEVE! 


From Dr Karoline Lewis at EntertheBible.org:

The story of Pentecost is crucial in Acts for several reasons. First, it  fulfills Jesus’ promise that the “power from on high” would come upon his followers to empower their witness (Luke  24:49). Second, the Holy Spirit is poured out on all the believers who are gathered together in Jerusalem. It is not a gift limited to the Twelve apostles or to men; it is given to the whole assembly, including women (see Acts 1:13-14). Finally,  the Spirit empowers believers  to testify in other known languages (“tongues”) to God’s work in Jesus the Messiah. This great gift is like the “deeds of power, wonders, and signs” (2:22) that God did through Jesus and will continue to do throughout  Acts. This work of the Spirit is consonant with the work of Jesus, who pours out the Spirit from on high (2:33). 

Carry On Cast

LOOK AT THE BOOK

  • How is it with your spirit this week?

  • What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?

  • Open to Acts 2. Last week, we heard about how the early followers spoke many languages. How does it make you feel knowing you have the gift to speak about Jesus in a “language” someone else can hear and understand well?

  • Who in your life speaks about Jesus in a way you can understand? Who is someone who does not speak about Jesus in a way you can understand? What is the difference?

  • After the Pentecost moment in Acts 2:1-8, Peter is now speaking about Jesus to whom? There is a fine line between “pushing Jesus” on someone else, anti-Semitism (blaming Jewish people of all ethnicities today for killing Jesus and treating them with contempt and hate—which can be drawn from this passage) and sharing good news in their “native tongue.” How would you describe the difference?

  • What is Peter’s case that Jesus is the Son of God in verse 33? How would people know this to be true (what sign happens so people would know)?

  • Peter quotes scripture in his message to the crowd. It is from Psalm 110:1. Open to the Psalm and notice who is speaking in the Psalm? Why does Peter quote this person, do you think?

  • Jump to verse 38. How did the crowd respond to Peter’s message? What are Peter’s instructions? “Repent” is to turn around. What is a place God may be calling you to turn around right now?

  • Baptism is connected to two promises in verse 38. What are they?

  • What do you make of verse 39? How do we share in this? What is a worry and a hope for younger generations?

  • In what ways can Easter Lutheran Church lean into being “spirit led” to share the love of God more clearly to our neighbors? How might God be calling us to do so?

  • How is Jesus good news for us this week?

  • What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?



TAKING IT HOME

Which discipleship practice in verse 42 speaks to you most today? How might you practice it this week and with whom?



Sending Prayer

Holy God, you reveal your glory in Jesus Christ and make your people one in his name. Transform us through him and shine your light on the whole world, that we would move into the future you have for us with confidence and joy in his holy name. Amen.

Kevin Bergeson
Next

Grow Guide | May 24, 2026