CONTENT
- The Ascension Acts 1:6-11
- The Pentecost Acts 2:1-41
- The mission of the Church Act 8
THE ASCENSION ACTS 1;6-11
The ascension in this context refers to the manner in which Jesus was taken to heaven.
After appearing for forty days, Christ was with apostles in Jerusalem. They asked him about the time that God would restore the Kingdom to Israel. Jesus made them realize that God Himself is the only one who knows the time and the season, not human beings. He told them that they would receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon them, they will be witnesses to him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost part of the world. When he finished his address, he was taken up to heaven. As they gazed into heaven, two men stood by them in white robes testified saying that this same Jesus who is taken up into heaven will come in the same way as they saw him go into heaven.
Significance
- It marked the promise of the Holy Spirit which was fulfilled during the Pentecost. The Holy Spirit gives guidance in evangelism.
- The way Jesus ascended into heaven is the same way he will return. It opened the eyes of Christians as to the manner of Jesus’ second coming.
EVALUATION
Describe the ascension of Jesus to heaven.
THE PENTECOST ACTS 2;1-41
The word Pentecost is derived from the Greek word for “fifty”. It was another name for the Jewish Feast of weeks which took place exactly fifty days from the Passover Feast. The Apostles (120 people) prayed fervently for ten days and waited patiently for the Holy Spirit. When the apostles were praying, there came a sound as of a mighty rushing wind and it filled the whole house. Then, there appeared tongues as of fire which rested on each man’s head and they all began to speak in different tongues as the spirit gave them utterance. That sound attracted a great multitude that were in festive mood.
Significance of the Pentecost
- Christians today should help to continue in spreading the gospel to every part of the world.
- The Pentecost marked the beginning of the church.
- It brought a special and different power and courage with it which gave the apostles great boldness to preach.
- The Pentecost marked the beginning of aggressive evangelism which is still in progress to day.
EVALUATION
- Give an account of the receipt of the Holy Spirit by the disciples on the day of Pentecost.
- What are the significances of Pentecost?
PETER’S SERMON AND THE CONVERSION
The people that came to Jerusalem as at that time were on pilgrimage. The sound of the Holy Spirit attracted them. Some of them accused the apostles of drunkenness as they heard the apostles speak many languages. Before long, a large crowd had gathered. Peter used that opportunity to preach the gospel of salvation of Christ. He explained to them that what they were experiencing was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy concerning the coming of the Spirit on all people in the last days.
Peter told them that the same Jesus crucified by the Jews, who rose again, was the person who was then fulfilling the promise of the Holy Spirit which all were experiencing. So many were touched, so much so that they asked Peter what they were to do. Peter replied “Repent and be baptized, everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall received the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are afar off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him” (Acts 2:38, 39). Altogether, about 3000 people repented at the Pentecost, were baptized and were added to the Christian community.
Significance
The promise of God never fails even today. The power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians makes them to bring multitude to Jesus. The miracle of speaking in tongue symbolizes the universality of the gospel. In conclusion, we need the Holy Spirit to live a successful Christian life.
EVALUATION
- How many people joined the church after Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost?
- How did Peter refute the view and mockery of the people?
GENERAL EVALUATION/ REVISION QUESTIONS
- Describe the ascension of Jesus to heaven.
- Narrate the second account of creation.
- List the characteristics of the new life
- What role does baptism play in the new life?
READING ASSIGNMENT
Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS 1-3 by Martins I Amaechi, pg 190.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in form of_____. A. flame B. star C. fire D. lightning
- Jesus Christ appeared to his disciples for ___days after his resurrection. A.20 B.30 C.40 D. 50
- There were __________disciples praying and waiting in the upper room before the coming of the Holy Spirit. A.600 B.300 C. 120 D.200
- Jesus told his disciples to tarry in___ for the promise of the Father. A. Shiloh B. Jerusalem C. Bethel D. Galilee
- After the sermon of Peter on the day of Pentecost about_____________ people were converted and added to the church. A. 5000 B. 3000 C. 300 D. 400
THEORY
- Narrate the story of the coming of the Holy Spirit.
- What is the significance of Pentecost to Christians today?
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