Praise and Worship: Worship Team
Offertory Prayer: Elder T.Goukhangin
Sunday school: Pastor Biakson
Benediction: Elder G. Khamkhanpau
A. INTRODUCTION
Pastor Biakson took the Sunday school teaching on the theme “The wait of the Holy spirit in Jerusalem” based on Acts 1:12-26.
1. The return to Jerusalem and praying together in one accord (Acts 1:12-14)
2. Peter spoke about the empty spot of Judas (Acts 1: 15-22)
3. Appointment of Matthias (Acts 1:23-26)
1. THE RETURN TO JERUSALEM AND PRAYING TOGETHER IN ONE ACCORD
Jesus Christ had arisen and remained with the Disciples and other believers. At the end of 40 days, Jesus left them at Mount Olive telling them to wait for the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus left them, they returned to Jerusalem from Mount Olive.
Mount Olive is located between Bethany and Jerusalem. “Sabbath day’s walk” means “at a distance of about a kilometre”. ( Acts 1:12)
When the disciples and other believers reached Jerusalem they headed straight to a room at the rooftop. This place was believed to have been the place of the last supper.
The people that came together in this room were the following:
1. The 11 disciples of Jesus- in Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16 one can find that the order of the names is listed in this order Peter comes in the 1st place, Philip in the 5th and Judas always the last. The in between order changes but the position of these three remains constant.
2. A group of women who used to follow Jesus in this ministry before he left them.
3. Jesus’ family: his mother Mary and his brothers Judas, Joses, Jacob and Simon. His brothers did not
believe him before but now they were one of the believers.
The believers while in wait for the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem spent 10 days constantly praying together
in one accord before Pentecost Day arrived.
2. PETER TALKS REGARDING JUDAS’ PLACE
While they were waiting and praying for the Holy Spirit, Peter stood up and spoke about Judas and his place that was left unfilled in front of 120 people in that room.
He said that the scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. He talked about how Judas was always one of them and that he shared their ministry.
He even spoke bout Judas’ payment for his wickedness. Everyone in Jerusalem knew about this so they called that field in their language Aceldama, that is, Field of Blood.
Therefore it was necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us.
3. APPOINTMENT OF MATTHIAS
In looking for a disciple to take the place of Judas, the disciples nominated two men : Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.
They then prayed to the Lord like this- Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”
Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
This was the last time that casting of lots was ever mentioned. Since the Pentecost there was no need of the lots as the Holy Spirit speaks directly to the people.
B. THE THINGS VITAL FOR A CHURCH/ INDIVIDUAL TO GROW
PRAYER: Pastor said that the youth of today lack in prayer. We are so lazy to even pray to the one for the basic necessities that he provides us without even asking for it. If this continues then the future generation will soon come to ruins because the one above who gives you without asking can one day become lazy too and when then that day comes we won’t even survive a single second on our own. So we better start getting on our knees and start praying, it does not have to be about asking , it can also be about giving thanks for just the simple fact that we are still breathing. The day we the youth start praying for every small or big things, there will be a change in everything. The church will grow so will the community that we are a part of. For example the disciples and the believers prayed constantly and in one accord in that room for 10 days before the Holy Spirit came to them. This was because they constantly prayed without failing. Even the Lord prayed the whole night before he appointed his first 12 disciples. Even apostle Paul asked the churches not to cease praying. Prayer does and can do great things only if we constantly continue to do it throughout our lives. It our duty as believers to never cease praying.
FOLLOWING THE WORD OF GOD (BIBLE): Just a few days ago Billy Graham passed away. He fulfilled his purpose here on earth and went to meet the saviour. He was favoured here on earth and we don’t doubt that he won’t be up there. He was known for his knowledge of the word of God i.e. the BIBLE. Whenever and wherever he taught the word of God he always began with these phrases, “the Bible says” and not with I think or I believe which the pastor said was the key of his success. He always put the word of God first. He encouraged the congregation to do the same.
HAVING THE LEADERS CHOSEN BY THE LORD: From our above text, we can see the importance of a good leader. A bad/ corrupt leader is also not accepted by the Lord and therefore loses his position. It can be seen in the Bible that leaders not chosen by the Lord have failed and fallen in to chaos and have seen devastating deaths. But the leaders chosen by the Lord have flourished and prospered to great heights. Therefore we should in the future ask the Lord for his divine intervention in choosing a good leader.
