i. to study the significance of Pentecost to the Christendom and
ii. to discuss the effect of the Holy Spirit in the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pentecost Sunday (also called Whit Sunday) is a Christian festival, which takes place on the 50th day from or seventh Sunday after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples after his return to His father in heaven; who will empower them to preach and teach them in all things. However, He warned them never to leave Jerusalem until they receive the power. Today's study is highly essential if we would succeed as carriers of the good News of salvation through Jesus Christ.
1. How important is the Pentecost Sunday to you as a Christian on the race to God's Kingdom? Discuss in line with Acts 2:1-4 with reference to Acts 1:8.
2. Critically compare Matt 26:69-75 in line with Acts 2:4, 14-18, 37-38, 41 and discuss the effect of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles on the Pentecost Sunday.
3. As Christians, how important can you describe the Holy Spirit in the propagation of the gospel? Joh 16:13; Acts 4:31; Acts 13:1-4
4. Analyse the characteristics of preachers without the Holy Spirit in the early Church - Acts 8:9-13, 18-23, 19:13-17. Can we still find such in our communities today? If yes, discuss their attitude.
The important of the Pentecost Sunday cannot be underrated in the Christendom as it reminds us of the importance of waiting upon the Lord for the Holy Spirit empowerment in preaching the right gospel message for the salvation of souls. As Christians, let us always ponder on how best to wait upon the Lord for empowerment by the Holy Spirit.
The success of salvation message lies on empowerment by the Holy Spirit.
Acts 4:31: "And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness".