1. Christianity SECTION B: PART 5 – FAITH IN CHRIST

2. Ascension (Acts of the Apostles 1: 3- 5) For 40 days after his death Jesus had appeared to his apostles many times and continued to teach them about the Kingdom of God. He also said to them ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift I told you about, the gift my Father promised. John baptised you with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.’ After saying this, the disciples watched as Jesus was taken up to heaven and a cloud hid him from their sight.

3. Pentecost (Acts of the Apostles 2: 1- 36) After the ascent of Jesus into heaven the Apostles continued to meet and pray together regularly. They were joined by Mary, the mother of Jesus. When the day of Pentecost came, all the believers were gathered together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from the sky. They saw what looked to be tongues of fire that spread out and touched each person there. All of a sudden they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Amazingly they were able to speak in other languages previously unknown to them. The power they received from the Holy Spirit gave them the courage to go out and preach the word of god and baptise in the name of Jesus. That very day about 3000 people were baptised.

4. Early Faith Communities (Acts of the Apostles 2: 42-47) Faith – Complete faith that Jesus rose from the dead, that he was the Messiah, the Son of God. Worship – Together they celebrated the breaking of bread, the Eucharist, as Jesus asked them to do. Way of Life – Shared everything and sought to live out Jesus’ command to love God and love your neighbour as yourself. Began as a sect of Judaism but over time saw that their faith, worship and way of life was different from other Jews. Became known as Christians, followers of Jesus Christ. Faced persecution at the hands of the Jews and Romans. Stephen was the first Christian martyr.

5. St. Paul (Acts of the Apostles 9: 1- 30) Missionary – one who is sent on a journey to spread the Gospel by preaching, or by example.

6. Modern Faith Communities People of God Faith

7. New Titles for Jesus Son of Man (Mark 10:33) A title that show the human nature of Jesus, and the fact that his suffering and death is a sacrifice to benefit all humanity. Son of God (Mark 15:39) A title that shows the divine or holy relationship between Jesus and God the Father. Christ/Messiah (John 1:40-42) A title meaning ‘anointed one’; Jesus is a spiritual leader sent by God.