Article from May-June 2023 UCG Beyond Today Magazine:
Pentecost and the Promise of the Father | United Church of God
Having been with Jesus Christ throughout His ministry, His original 12 apostles became deeply saddened when He told them He would be going away. But what awesome event turned their sorrow into joy? And what should that singular occurrence mean for us today?
https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-magazine/pentecost-and-the-promise-of-the-father
From the series God’s Plan Shown By the Holy Days:
Making God Real: the Day of Pentecost
In this Guide we define the meaning of the word “Pentecost,” what does Pentecost picture, and how does it fit into God’s plan of salvation? Why do we need God’s Holy Spirit, and how does it affect the way we live our lives including our relationship with God and others?
https://www.ucg.org/members/family-study-guides/making-god-real-the-day-of-pentecost
From the series Seeing God Through Creation:
Lesson 7 – Day of Pentecost
This Family Study, Seeing God through Creation, The Day of Pentecost reviews the meaning of the word “Pentecost,” what Pentecost pictures, and how it fits into God’s plan of salvation. We need the special gift of God’s Holy Spirit, which brings us many benefits. Properly understanding the meaning of Pentecost affects the way we live our lives—including our relationships with God and people.
The Feast of Pentecost was commanded to be observed throughout all generations. Your descendants are to observe this regulation for all time to come, no matter where they live (Leviticus 23:21 Good News Translation).
https://www.ucg.org/members/family-study-guides/seeing-god-through-creation-the-day-of-pentecost
UCG Bible Study Aid:
The Power of the Holy Spirit
Almost 2,000 years ago, a miraculous, momentous event occurred—the New Testament Church was founded on the Feast of Pentecost. What made this event so astounding—and Acts 2 records that the circumstances of that day were truly dramatic—was the giving of God’s Holy Spirit to the followers of Jesus Christ, just as He had promised.
https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/the-power-of-the-holy-spirit
Beyond Today Presentation
UCG Beyond Today 28 minute presentation on YouTube by Darris McNeely
Beyond Today — Pentecost: The Power of God in Your Life
https://youtu.be/yeCdvLpCgag
Beyond Today Extra Series
Part 1 – Encounter in the Garden
The new series begins with the inspiring and fascinating account of Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the perspective of the disciples.
https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/the-path-to-pentecost-encounter-in-the-garden-part-1
Part 2 – The Road to Emmaus
An amazing story is recorded about one of Jesus’ first appearances after His resurrection. It gives us lessons for today
https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/the-path-to-pentecost-the-road-to-emmaus-part-2.
Part 3 – Dealing with Doubt and Unbelief
After His resurrection, Jesus made a dramatic appearance to the disciples. What did Christ say, and how can His words help us today to overcome fears and doubt?
https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/the-path-to-pentecost-dealing-with-doubt-and-unbelief-part-3
Part 4 – In Galilee, by the Sea
Jesus chose the beautiful setting near the Sea of Galilee to teach His disciples important lessons about the work they were to do.
https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/the-path-to-pentecost-in-galilee-by-the-sea-part-4
Part 5 – The Great Commission
One of Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples involved three key elements. Learn what they are, and how the preaching of the gospel is the most exciting story throughout all history.
https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/the-path-to-pentecost-the-great-commission-part-5
Part 6 – You Shall Receive Power
Jesus promised His disciples they would soon receive special divine power to carry out the mission of preaching the gospel to all nations. How does God’s Spirit work in the lives of Christians?
https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/the-path-to-pentecost-you-shall-receive-power-part-6
Part 7 – Out, Into the Streets!
How do you deal with fear? What did the disciples do after Jesus was resurrected, and what can we learn from the Bible record?
https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/the-path-to-pentecost-out-into-the-streets-part-7
UCG Beyond Today Bible Study Series
Power to Change
The Transforming Power of God’s Holy Spirit
Some have said that the hardest thing to do in life is to change. We need more than just willpower. We need the power of God in our life. This Bible study series will focus on how change is possible through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Part 1: The Work of the Holy Spirit presented by Gary Petty
This is the first part in the Bible study series: Power to Change. This study will give an overview of what God does in our lives through His Holy Spirit.
Part 2: Inside Out presented by Darris McNeely
This is the second part in the Bible study series: Power to Change. Making any change in our lives is challenging and difficult. How can it be done? It starts in the heart when we allow God to create within us a clean heart. This Bible study will explain the process of “inside out,” living the transformed life.
Part 3: The Spirit of Love presented by Steve Myers
This is the third part in the Bible study series: Power to Change. Jesus Christ gave a new commandment to us. How can we allow God’s Spirit to work in us so that we can fulfill that command to love? In this study we’ll examine 2 Timothy 1:7 and the apostle Paul’s reference to God’s Spirit as the Spirit of Love. As an essential to our whole Christian character we’ll focus on this indispensable spiritual quality that must be vibrant in our life.
Links to each of these presentations are found at:
https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-bible-study/power-to-change-the-transforming-power-of-gods-holy-spirit
Graphics for Sharing:
Looking for a passive way to help proclaim the gospel, plant some seeds, and potentially make a new disciple? Share one (or more) of the graphics below on your social media pages.
Matthew 28:18 NLT – Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.
Matthew 28:19 NLT – Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:20 NLT – Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
