What are some things you know about Pentecost from the Old Testament and the New Testament?
Prompts if no response: The wave sheaf, counting 50 days, the beginning of the Church, the giving of the Holy Spirit, different gifts and talents of members in the Church, speaking in different languages, etc.
Supporting Scriptures
God describes His holy days in Leviticus and mentions Pentecost
Leviticus 23:15-17
. In the New Testament, Pentecost is mentioned in Acts 2.
Discussion Question 1:
What is the Holy Spirit? What are some examples of it from the Bible?
Prompts if no response: It is the power of God, received at baptism by the laying on of hands. It is described as a dove, wind, fire, water, oil. It is spoken of as being poured out onto people. It is not a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. Etc.
What do we still do in the Church today that the Church also did 2,000 years ago?
Prompts if no response: We teach repentance, conduct baptisms, lay hands on, help each other, give offerings to God, eat and rejoice together, come together for the holy days, etc.
What are some of the gifts and fruit of God’s Holy Spirit?
Prompts if no response: Gifts include encouraging others, having wisdom about different things, knowing God’s truth, speaking different languages, discerning and problem-solving. Fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
What would you think or say back if you heard this: “I keep Pentecost too! And I keep it by going to church on Sunday just like every other week.”
Prompts if no response: Pentecost is always on a Sunday. We count seven Saturdays and then the next day is the holy day—49 plus 1. But we keep the seventh-day Sabbath every week—the day God commands in the Fourth Commandment.
Supporting Scripture
God lays out exactly how to keep this holy day. It is kept once a year
Leviticus 23:15-17
.
Hypothetical 2:
What would you say back if you were asked: “Isn’t Pentecost a Jewish holiday?”
Prompts if no response: It is for all Christians, celebrating the giving of the Holy Spirit and the start of the New Testament Church. God’s holy days are His feasts, given to all mankind and not just the Jews.
Supporting Scripture
The New Testament Church kept Pentecost after Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2).
CLOSER
What are some ways we can use the fruit of the Spirit and spiritual gifts to help others?
Prompts if no response: Talk to people who are lonely or feeling sad, work together to solve problems and listen to others’ ideas, learn a new language, look for ways to be kind to others, etc.
What symbolism do firstfruits of a harvest have in God’s plan of salvation? Teach your children about the founding of the Church of God and the miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit. Several pages of discussion points are
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Need a quick overview of the third annual festival in God’s holy day plan? Enjoy our infographic covering the key components of Pentecost. Read the full lesson in our Word of God section.
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Use this colorful chart to count the 50 days from the wave sheaf offering (which historically took place during the Feast of Unleavened Bread) to the Pentecost festival. Updated annually. Makes a great accompaniment to our “Feast of Pentecost”
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