WITH GOD
- Ps David Jones
- Feb 24
- 3 min read
Pastor David Jones
Sunday Morning Message – 22nd February 2026Citywest Church YouTube:
Objective: Encourage people in your group and remind them that the Holy Spirit lives within them to live as New Testament believers. With God in us, we can be bold, encouraged, and filled with purpose. We go with God!
Leader: Please choose what best suits your group and fits the time well. You do not need to discuss every question. Create your own questions that fit your group. Choose two or three areas to discuss. Have fun, Jesus people!
Group Discussion Guide Read main text: Acts 2:14–16
Open in prayer together.
Background for the disciples and Peter’s journey to this moment
Before this bold moment: Peter had disowned Jesus. The disciples believed Jesus had died, and all their hopes seemed dashed to pieces. It looked as though religion, and the enemies of Jesus had won… or had they?
Jesus had made a promise to His disciples that carries through to you and me today:
Read Acts 1:8
Imagine this scene taking place, the emotions and thoughts swirling around in Peter’s head. Should I stand or should I just stay sitting? Peter had failed God in the past, and others knew he had failed. Who was he going to believe—God or man? Acts 2 tells the true story of the disciples being filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter and the others in the upper room were changed from the inside out. He could no longer see himself as a failure but was changed and ready to stand for Christ.
Discussion Questions
Have you ever felt written off — by others or even by yourself?
What do you think gave Peter the courage to stand?
What does it mean for you personally to “stand with God”?
Four practical, simple, and life-changing keys from this biblical story.
Stand in the Holy Spirit
Peter recognized the prophetic moment in history and quoted the prophet Joel. Joel wrote these words 800–900 years earlier.
Read Acts 2:16–21 - It speaks of the Spirit being poured out on all people.
The infilling of the Holy Spirit:
Is for all believers
Is transformative
Works in us, for us, and through us
Empowers us to be witnesses for the gospel
Luke 11:13“…how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Discuss:
What does standing in the Holy Spirit look like in daily life?
Have you experienced the Spirit giving you boldness or clarity?
Stand for Jesus (Proclaim the Gospel)
Acts 2:38–39“Repent and be baptized… in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit…”
The message is: Christ crucified• Christ resurrected
Discuss: What does it look like to live and share the message of Christ crucified and Christ resurrected.
Romans 4:25 The message
The New Testament Church lives on mission and with purpose. We live with purpose under His mandate and make it our mission. God used Peter, who had not long before denied Jesus. With God, Peter proclaimed the good news — and 3,000 were added that day.
Jesus said:
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” - Mark 16:15
Questions and Discussion:
Who is your “one” — the person God may be prompting you to pray for and reach?
What holds us back from speaking about Jesus?
Stand in Prayer
Read Acts 2:42 “They devoted themselves… to prayer.”
The early church prayed: Personally, Together, Continually
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…”
Colossians 4:2“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Discuss:
What does devotion to prayer look like in your current season?
How can we strengthen prayer together as a group?
Stand as Family and Team (Unity in Community)
The early church model:
Acts 2:42–47• They devoted themselves to teaching and fellowship.
• They shared possessions.
• They met together daily.
• They broke bread in their homes.
• They had glad and sincere hearts.
• They had favour with the people.
• People were saved daily.
Possible Discussions:
What does standing as family mean in practical terms?
How do we protect unity in our church?
Where might God be asking you to “make room” in your heart or home for others?
Conclusion
Personal Reflection
Peter stood with God on the inside of him. He stood filled with faith and filled with boldness, aware of possible criticism. He put his reputation and life on the line for the gospel, willing to be a witness. The New Testament Church was birthed when someone stood, and the eleven also showed great courage when they stood with Peter
Who will stand with God for a faith adventure?
Take a moment in silence
Then pray together, asking for boldness, unity, and a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit
