RECKLESS: Pentecost Home Church Guide
Group Discussion Guide
Overview
We begin a new sermon series titled Reckless Love, asking a provocative question: Can God be reckless? The Spirit’s presence on Pentecost invites us to explore how God chooses to act—not with detached power, but in vulnerable, relational love. As we saw in Jesus, God steps into the human experience, not to dominate, but to accompany. Through the Spirit, God continues to come alongside us—not overriding human will, but co-laboring with us.
At Pentecost, God’s Spirit is poured out not selectively, but expansively. The signs—wind and fire—echo earlier moments of God’s presence, from creation to the burning bush. But now, that presence comes to rest on all people. The same Spirit active in creation and in Jesus now empowers a diverse, shared community of interdependence. This is a God who invites humans into mutuality—into participation, imagination, and shared mission.
The Spirit is described in Scripture as Advocate, Friend, Comforter, and Guide. The Greek word Paraklētos evokes the nearness of one who is called alongside. Jesus promised "another Paraclete"—one just like him—to remain with us. Through this Spirit, we are comforted, companioned, and empowered to become part of God’s ongoing renewal.
Scripture Reading
Scripture Focus: Acts 2:1–21, John 14:16–17, 25–27 (look at multiple translations).
Reflection Questions
In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells his followers they will be his witnesses—the point here is not just in words, but in the way they live. Where might your life reflect the Spirit’s invitation to embody the kingdom of God with love, courage, or justice?
How does the image of the Spirit as Companion or Advocate or Friend reshape how you understand God’s nearness in your everyday life?
Pentecost shows God’s Spirit resting on all people—regardless of gender, status, or background. Where might you be invited to release control, share space, or trust the voice of someone who might be unexpected?
What does it look like to be guided—not forced—by the Spirit? How might that lead to deeper attentiveness, curiosity, or mutuality?
Practices
Attentiveness
Reflect on where the Spirit might be showing up—quietly or powerfully—around you. In beauty, in justice, in conversations—what might be God’s invitation in what you notice?
Participate in Mutuality
Invite someone into a shared decision or task this week—not just asking for input, but for collaboration. Let yourself be shaped by another’s voice. Or, practice shared discernment: if you’re facing a decision or feeling stuck, bring the question to community—ask, “What are we hearing together?” rather than only, “What do I think God is saying?”
Awareness
Reflect on where you’ve seen the Spirit spark renewal or courage in your life. Where have you felt stirred or guided toward truth, wholeness, or justice? Write it down as a way of recognizing God’s nearness.
Prayer Prompt
Spirit of God,
You are the one who comes alongside—
not as force, but as friend;
not to overpower, but to empower.
You guide us with presence
you pray with us in our weakness,
you renew what is broken with holy love.
Make us a people who notice,
who ask,
and who respond with courage and care.
Let us be your witnesses—
not just in word,
but in the way we live,
love,
and walk together.Amen.
