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Word + Spirit: Jesus Exalted — Acts 2

October 6, 2025

Word + Spirit: Jesus Exalted — Acts 2

Stand‑Alone Message

Big Idea: When the Spirit of God moves and the Word of God is preached, Jesus is exalted—and people respond with repentance, faith, baptism, and mission.

Why this matters

Some of us identify as “Word people,” others as “Spirit people.” Acts 2 shows they’re not rivals—the Spirit empowers the mission while the Word clarifies the message. When both work together, the result is a church that lifts up Jesus and lives sent.

“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
—Acts 2:36

Key Scripture

  • Acts 2:1–13 — The Spirit of God comes (Pentecost).
  • Acts 2:14–21 — The Word of God is preached (Peter explains with Joel 2).
  • Acts 2:22–36 — The Son of God is exalted (Jesus crucified and raised; Lord and Christ).
  • Acts 2:37–41 — The people of God respond (cut to the heart; repent and be baptized; 3,000 added).

Highlights

  • The Spirit comes (2:1–13): A sound like wind, tongues as of fire, languages understood—God’s power for God’s mission.
  • The Word is preached (2:14–21): Peter interprets the moment with Scripture (Joel 2). We need to be “people of the Bible” so we can explain what God is doing.
  • The Son is exalted (2:22–36): Jesus was attested by God through wonders, crucified according to God’s plan, and raised. God made him Lord and Christ.
  • The people respond (2:37–41): Cut to the heart → repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Spirit.

Reflect

  • Word + Spirit: Where do I tend to drift—content without power, or experience without Scripture?
  • Exalt Jesus: What would it look like for my week to be “about Jesus” in words and actions?
  • Response: Am I “cut to the heart” by the gospel—and have I responded with repentance and obedience?

Respond

  • Be baptized: Ready to publicly follow Jesus? Sign up here.
  • Find community: Build “everyday encouragement” in a Lifegroup.
  • Watch/Resources: This week’s resources are here.

“Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21)