1a(i) What do you understand by the ascension of Jesus? (3)
Answer:
The ascension of Jesus is when Jesus went up to heaven after he had risen from the dead. This happened 40 days after Easter. The disciples watched as Jesus was lifted up into the clouds and disappeared from their sight. It shows that Jesus returned to God the Father in heaven.
1a(ii) What does the ascension show? (3)
Answer:
The ascension shows that Jesus has completed his work on earth and returned to his place with God. It proves that Jesus is divine and not just human. It also shows that Jesus is now in heaven preparing a place for Christians when they die.
1b) Describe the Pentecost (6)
Answer:
Pentecost happened 50 days after Easter when the disciples were all together in one room. Suddenly there was a sound like a strong wind blowing and flames of fire appeared above each person’s head. The Holy Spirit filled all the disciples and they started speaking in different languages that they had never learned before.
People from many different countries were in Jerusalem at the time and they could understand what the disciples were saying in their own languages. Peter preached to the crowd and about 3000 people became Christians that day. This was the start of the Christian church.
Pentecost is celebrated by Christians today because it shows how the Holy Spirit came to help and guide believers. Many churches have special services with prayers and hymns about the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday.
1c) Evaluate the view that Church leaders no longer pay attention to the Holy Spirit (10)
My Answer:
I disagree with this view because I think many church leaders do pay attention to the Holy Spirit today. In my church, the pastor often talks about asking the Holy Spirit for guidance when making important decisions. Many church leaders pray before meetings and services asking for the Holy Spirit’s help.
Some churches like Pentecostal and Charismatic churches put the Holy Spirit at the center of their worship. They believe in gifts of the Spirit like speaking in tongues, healing, and prophecy. These church leaders clearly pay a lot of attention to the Holy Spirit and encourage their members to do the same.
However, some people might argue that other church leaders focus too much on tradition and rules instead of listening to the Holy Spirit. They might say that some churches are more interested in following old ways of doing things rather than being open to new ideas from the Spirit. Some leaders might be afraid of changes that the Holy Spirit might want.
Also, in some churches the services are very formal and planned out, which might not leave much room for the Holy Spirit to work spontaneously. Some people think this shows that leaders don’t really trust the Holy Spirit to guide the service.
But I believe that even in traditional churches, many leaders do try to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance, just in different ways. They might not show it as obviously as Pentecostal churches, but they still pray for wisdom and try to follow God’s will.
In conclusion, while some church leaders might not pay enough attention to the Holy Spirit, I think many do try to be guided by the Spirit in their leadership. Different churches show this in different ways, but the Holy Spirit is still important in most Christian churches today.
